Shen Nong Ben Cao Ling(The Divine Farmers Materia Medica)

The Divine Farmer's
Materia Medica

A Translation of the
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing
by Yang Shou-zhong

BLUE POPPY PRESS, INC.
Boulder, CO

Publisher's Foreword

Published by:

BLUE POPPY PRESS
A Division of Blue Poppy Enteiprises, Inc.

5441 Western Ave., Suite 2
BOULDER, CO 80301

First Edition, June, 1998
Second Printing, January, 2003
Third Printing, January, 2005
Fourth Printing, October, 2005
Fifth Printing, March, 2007
Sixth Printing, October, 2007
Seventh Printing, June, 2008

ISBN 0-936185-96-1
ISBN 978-0-936185-96-5
LC 97-77991

COPYRIGHT © BLUE POPPY PRESS, 1998. All Rights Reserved.

all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or any other means, or translated into any language without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this book is given in good faith. However, the
author and the publishers cannot be held responsible for any error or omission. The
publishers will not accept liabilities for any injuries or damages caused to the reader
that may result from the reader s acting upon or using the content contained in this
book. The publishers make this information available to English language readers
for research and scholarly purposes only.

The publishers do not advocate nor endorse self-medication by laypersons. Chinese
medicine is a professional medicine. Laypersons interested in availing themselves of
the treatments described in this book should seek out a qualified professional
practitioner of Chinese medicine.

:OMP Designation: Denotative translation using a standard translational terminology
Cover caligraphy by Michael Sullivan (Seiho)

109 8 7

Printed at Fidlar Doubleday, Kalamazoo, MI on recycled paper with soy inks

The Shen Nong Ben Cao fing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic) is
one of the 10 premodern classics of Chinese medicine selected in the
People's Republic of China as nationwide research priorities within the
Chinese medical literature. Also referred to as the Shen Nong Ben ]ing, the
Shen Nong Ben Cao , the Ben Cao fing , and simply the Ben Jing, it is one of the
two most important of these 10 preeminent Chinese medical classics. The
Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) is the locus classicus
of Chinese medical theory and especially acupuncture and moxibustion,
while the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing is the locus classicus of so-called Chinese
herbal medicine. All the rest of the Chinese medical literature, both
premodern and contemporary, is built on the foundation of these two
seminal texts. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why we have
chosen to publish this first English language translation of the Shen Nong
Ben Cao Jing as part of Blue Poppy Press's Great Masters Series.

Shen Nong is one of the three greatest heroes of Chinese culture, the other
two being the Yellow Emperor and Fu Xi, the revealer of the eight
trigrams. These three legendary divine beings are credited as being the
fountainhead of Chinese life-arts. The name Shen Nong can be translated
as Divine Farmer, Divine Peasant, Divine Agriculturist, or Divine
Husbandman. Among his numerous discoveries and revelations, Shen
Nong is credited with teaching the Chinese people how to farm—thus his
most common name. The first reference to a connection between Shen
Nong and Chinese herbal medicine is found in the Huai Nan Zi (The South
of the Huai Master) written by Liu An who died in 122 BCE.

Ancient people ate grasses and drank water. They gathered the fruit
from trees and ate the meat of clams. They frequently suffered from
disease and poisoning. Then Shen Nong taught people for the first
time how to sow the five grains, to observe whether the land was
dry or wet, fertile or rocky, located in the hills or in the lowlands.

He tasted the flavors of all the herbs and springs, [determining]

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Publisher’s Foreword

whether they were bitter or sweet. Thus he taught people what to
avoid and where they could go. At that time, [Shen Nong]
encountered 70 [herbs] in one day, [determining which were]
medicines and [which were] poisons. 1

This is the first surviving recorded instance in the Chinese literature
crediting Shen Nong with determining the medicinal properties of things
by tasting them himself. This story has then been repeated and embellished
upon down through the centuries. Some versions even give Shen Nong a
see-through stomach so he could witness the effects of what he ate on his
internal organs!

The words ben and cao mean tree roots and grasses or herbs respectively.
Therefore, as a compound term, they generically refer to the Chinese
materia medica, and materia medica is the most commonly used
translation of ben cao used in Engish today. Ben and cao are used in Chinese
medicine to refer to materia medica in general because the overwhelming
majority of traditional Chinese medicinals are dervied from vegetable
sources. However, since the Chinese materia medica also includes mineral
and animal medicinals, we have used the words, "so-called Chinese herbal
medicine," above.

As mentioned previously, this work is the locus classicus of the ben cao or
materia medica literature of Chinese medicine. It is this literature which
describes the ingredients of Chinese medicine, their flavors and natures
(i-e., temperatures), their functions, and indications. According to this
book, medicinals have five basic flavors—sour, salty, sweet, bitter, and
acrid and four qi or natures—cold, hot, warm, and cool. Hot diseases
should be treated with cold medicinals and cold diseases should be treated
with hot medicinals. This book also introduced the first method of
classifying Chinese medicinals. Within this classic, all medicinals are
classified into three grades or categories: superior medicinals
corresponding to heaven which govern the maintenance of life and are
without toxicity, medium medicinals corresponding to humankind which

Liu An, Huai Nan Zi, Xiu Wu Xun," chap. 19, p. la, anthologized in Zhu Z,i Ji
Cheng (An Anthology of Various Masters), Hebei People's Press, ed. by Loan Bao-
qun & Lou Xi-yuan, Tangshan, 1986.

benefit human nature and have some medicinal functions, and inferior
medicinals corresponding to earth which cure disease and definitely do
have some toxicity. Further, medicinals are also categorized into
sovereigns, ministers, assistants, and envoys. Hence, one can find all the
most basic and elemental theories of Chinese herbal medicine in seminal
form in this classic.

Although a book titled the Shen Nong Jing (The Divine Farmer's Classic) is
mentioned by various Chinese medical authors and Daoists interested in
longevity practices in the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE), this book has long
been lost, and it is not at all clear that it was, in fact, an early version of this
materia medica. The first mention of the Shen Nong Ben Cao per se is
found in the writings of the Daoist physician Tao Hong-jing whom lived
from 452-536 CE. According to Tao, the knowledge of Chinese materia
medica transmitted orally from the time of Shen Nong was first written
down in the later Han dynasty (circa 200 CE). As Paul U. Unschuld says in
his Medicine in China: A History of Pharmaceutics, "This opinion was based
upon the fact that the names used for the places of origin of the drugs in
the various pen-ts'ao works of T'ao's time were common to the later Han
period." 2

In fact, it is due to the writings of Tao Hong-jing that we have any version
of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing today. Tao is the author of the Ben Cao Jing
Ji Zhu (Collected Annotations on the Materia Medica Classic) and a Shen Nong
Ben Cao Jing. According to Unschuld, these are the same book and
sometimes they are referred to jointly as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu.
Tao wrote the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing first in three books and later revised
this into the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu in seven books based on Daoist
cosmological beliefs involving the number seven. However, the contents
of these two books are identical. In his preface, Tao mentions three main
sources for his work. These include several different versions of the Shen
Nong Ben Cao Jing , the Tong Jun Cai Yao Lu (Gentleman Tong's Notes on
Gathering Medicinals), and the Lei Kung Yao Dui (Lei Kung's Comparison of
Medicinals). He also mentions Zhang Chi (142-220? CE), Hua Tuo (190-265
CE), and Hua Tuo's students, Wu Pu and Li Dang-zhi, as authors before

2 Unschuld, Paul U., Medicine in China: A History of Pharmaceutics , U. of CA
Press, Berkeley, 1986, p. 17

n

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Publisher’s Foreword

him who had worked on earlier versions of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing.
However, as Unschnld states, "It can no longer be proved whether there
was, in fact, ever a specific, original work entitled Shen-nung pen-ts'ao
ching, or whether various pharmaceutical collections of the Han period
were written with this or a similar title." 3

In any case, even Tao Hong-jing's Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and Ben Cao Jing
Ji Zhu were lost. Nevertheless, efforts to recreate the Shen Nong Ben Cao
Jing were undertaken at least as early as the Song dynasty (960-1280 CE).
This may sound crazy to Western readers not familiar with premodern
Chinese literary practices. If something is lost, it's lost. However, it was
not uncontmon for Chinese authors to include whole books or at least
chapters from previous books into their own new compilations. This was
an accepted literary practice and carried no opprobium of plagiarism as it
would in the contemporary West. This process was made easier by the fact
that Tao Hong-jing had used two different colors of ink in his version of
the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Everything written in red ink was supposed to
be the words of Shen Nong. Since succeeding authors of later ben cao
continued this convention, it makes the identification of quotes from the
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing somewhat easier.

As early as the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE), Sun Si-miao had incorporated
lengthy sections of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing into his own Qian Jin Fang
(Prescriptions [Worth] a Thousand [Pieces of] Gold), and this book has
survived until today. It is one of the earliest sources for recompiling the
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. The Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao (A Classic &
Historic [Work]: A Materia Medica for Emergencies [Based on] Pattern
Categorization) compiled by Tang Shen-wei in 1108 CE is the most
important surviving source for recreating the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing.
However, even Li Shi-zhen's late Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE) Ben Cao
Gang Mu (Great Outline of Materia Medica) has been used to help recreate
this seminal materia medica classic, since even Li maintained the
convention of using red and black inks in order to identify the supposed
words of the divine Shen Nong.

1 Ibid., p. 17

iv

At this point, the reader should remember that in ancient times, doctors
would copy other doctor's copies of books by hand. Therefore, different
copyists often took the liberty of rearranging texts depending on their own
tastes and proclivities, just as modem college students might rearrange
their teacher's lecture notes in order to facilitate their own study. Because
of this, several different versions of the Zheng Lei Ben Cao currently exist,
and, therefore, there are a number of different versions of the Shen Nong
Ben Cao available today. The main discrepancies between these existing
versions of the Shen Nong Ben Cao are 1) the number of medicinals they
include, 2) the format of their presentation, and 3) the texts on certain
particular medicinals. It is believed that the original Ben Cao Jing contained
365 medicinals. However, all extant versions fall short of this number
despite many previous scholars' efforts to recover these lost medicinals. In
terms of format, some versions have four books, while others have only
three. Some versions simply divide all the medicinals into superior,
medium, and inferior grades, while others first divide them into wood,
grass, animal, and stone medicinals which are then subdivided into
superior, medium, and inferior grades. Some versions contain a table of
contents at their beginning and others do not. Still others give a list of
medicinals to be discussed before each section of each book. In addition,
there are minor discrepancies in the text itself under each medicinal. For
instance, some versions discuss the geographic origins of the medicinals,
while others do not. This last discrepancy is based on the assumption by
certain editors that this information was a later addition and not part of
the original text.

The present translation is based on the Ben Cao Jing (Materia Medica Classic)
edited by Cao Yuan-yu and published by the Shanghai Science &
Technology Press in Shanghai in 1987. It is Yang Shou-zhong's opinion that
this version is the most carefully collated and edited of the various
versions available in the People's Republic of China and is probably closer
to the original than any other. The most popular current version of this
seminal medicinal classic is the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer's
Materia Medica Classic) published by the Chinese Medical Classics
Publishing House in Beijing in 1982. Readers familiar with that version
should note that these two are not the same. The present version differs
from the Ben Cao Jing version in that it includes a Book Four. This is
comprised of those passages which are absent from our source text but

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Publisher’s Foreword

which are common to many other versions. Specifically, these are segments
included as appendices at the end of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing edited by
Huang Shi. Huang Shi was a high-ranking official during the reigns of Jia
Qing (1796-1820 ce) and Dao Guang (1821-1850 ce). In addition, we have
created a new Table of Contents to make this book easier to use for
modern readers and we have deleted the listing of medicinals discussed
in each chapter as superfluous given the Table of Contents and index of
medicinals at the back. Insertions within brackets have been added by the
translator in order to bring out the meaning of the text and render it in
better English while allowing readers to identify the words which actually
are in the source text.

The terminology and methodology used in this translation is based on
Nigel Wiseman and Ken Boss's Glossary of Chinese Medical Terms and
Acupuncture Points, Paradigm Publications, Brookline, MA, 1990, with
updates and revisions as contained in Nigel Wiseman's English-Chinese
Chinese-English Dictionary of Chinese Medicine, Hunan Science &
Technology Press, Changsha, 1995. The medicinals are identified by their
Chinese names written in Pinyin followed by their Latinate
pharmacological nomenclature in parentheses. Sources for these Latinate
identifications are Bensky and Gamble's Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia
Medica, Revised Edition, Eastland Press, Seattle, 1993; Hong-yen Hsu's
Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide, Oriental Healing Arts Institute,
Long Beach, CA, 1986; Stuart and Read's Chinese Materia Medica, Southern
Materials Center, Taipei, 1979; Paul U. Unschuld's Medicine in China: A
History of Pharmaceutics, U. of CA Press, Berkeley, 1986; A Barefoot Doctor's
Manual, Revised & Enlarged Edition, Cloudburst Press, Mayne Isle, WA,
1977; and the Z hong Yao Da Ci Dian (Large Dictionary of Chinese Medicinals),
Shanghai Science & Technology Press, Shanghai, 1991. In particular, Stuart
& Read's Chinese Materia Medica is a good resource for finding the Chinese
characters for the medicinals in this text as well as discussions of their
botanical identifications and common English names. When a medicinal
is subsequently discussed in a footnote, we have simply referred to it by
its capitalized common English name or a simplified version of its Latin
botanical name in nominative case. Regrettably, the translator was unable
to find Latin (or English) identifications for a very small handful of
medicinals. Hopefully, as scholars in China continue to research this
classic, these will be added to future editions of this work.

Westerns often think of Chinese medicine as Daoist medicine. In most
cases, this is a benign myth. In actual fact, the overwhelming majority of
the great books of Chinese medicine were written by authors who
identified themselves as Confucianist. However, the Shen Nong Ben Cao
Jing is definitely an example of the Daoist contribution to the development
of Chinese medicine. As the reader will see, there is a great interest on the
part of the author in using so-called herbs in order to achieve immortality
and other supernatural powers and abilities. In addition, there are more
references to demonology in this book than to the essentially Confucian
medicine of systematic correspondences. Modem readers coming across
references to flying in the sky and warding off demons and ghosts through
the administration of Chinese medicinals should understand the historical
context and provenance of this seminal classic and take the information with
a large grain of salt! It should also be remembered that many Chinese,
including emperors and even famous doctors such as Huang-fu Mi, made
themselves ill and even cut off their lives prematurely by taking such
external elixirs compounded out of potentially toxic materials.

Nevertheless, when it comes to Chinese materia medica, the two great
books are the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (contained herein) and Li Shi-zhen's
Ben Cao Gang Mu (Great Outline of Materia Medica). It is with great pleasure
that Blue Poppy Press is able to make this first English language translation
of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing available to Western scholars and
practitioners of Chinese medicine as part of our Great Masters Series.
Hopefully this translation will help deepen the Western understanding of
the history and development of Chinese herbal medicine. In particular, we
believe it will be useful for professional practitioners to compare these
early Chinese medicinal descriptions with standard contemporary
descriptions as found in Bensky and Gamble's Chinese Herbal Medicine:
Materia Medica. Such a comparison will afford a better understanding of
the evolution of contemporary Chinese medicine at least in terms of
materia medica. For more information on the history and development of
the ben cao literature in China, the reader is referred to Paul U. Unschuld's
excellent Medicine in China: A History of Pharmaceutics.

Bob Flaws
Boulder, CO

Book One

Preface to the Ben Cao Jing

There are 120 superior class medicinals which are used as sovereigns. 4
They mainly nourish life and correspond to heaven. They are nontoxic
and taking them in large amounts and for a long time will not harm
people. If one intends to make one's body light, 5 boost the qi, prevent

4 Superior class medicinals are superior in a number of different ways. In brief,
they are nontoxic medicinals that are able to nurture life and therefore bestow
longevity. In contrast, medium grade or middle class medicinals are able to
cultivate personality or modify temperament, as are, for example. He Huan (Cortex
Albizziae Julibrissinis) and Xuan Cao (Radix Hemerocallis Fulvae). The former
resolves anger, while the latter is able to help relieve worry. Since this class of
medicinals may be toxic, their prescription requires care. Inferior class medicinals
specifically treat disease. They are usually at least slightly toxic. This means that
they cannot be taken in large amounts or for prolonged periods of time without
developing negative side effects. In our source text, there are 119 superior class
medicinals, 120 middle class medicinals, and 122 inferior class medicinals. Put
together, there are 361 medicinals, four short of 365.

The terms sovereign, minister, and envoy and assistant in this text do not mean
what they have now come to mean in Chinese medicine. In this case, they are
simply synonyms of superior, middle and inferior class medicinals. Later medical
thinkers enlarged on these terms and now the principal ingredient in a formula is
the sovereign, while the other components are ministers, assistants, and envoys.

5 This implies not only limberness but also the acquisition of such supernormal
abilities as tire power to fly or to walk a thousand li without becoming tired. Such
references underscore that it was principally the Daoists who created the early
materia medica literature. In that case, they were not primarily concerned with the
treatment of disease but the achievement of "immortality" and various
extraordinary powers through the ingestion of various "elixirs."

IX

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Preface

aging, 6 and prolong life, one should base [one's efforts] on the superior
class. 7

There are 120 medium class medicinals which are used as ministers. 4 They
mainly nurture personality 8 and correspond to humanity. They may or
may not be toxic, and [therefore,] one should weigh and ponder before
putting them to their appropriate use. If one intends to control disease,
supplement vacuity, and replenish exhaustion, one should base [one's
efforts] on the middle class. 9

There are 125 inferior class medicinals which are used as assistants and
envoys. 4 They mainly treat disease and correspond to earth. They are
usually toxic and cannot be taken for a long time. If one intends to
eliminate cold and heat and evil qi, 10 break accumulations and gatherings,
and cure disease, one should base [one's efforts] on the inferior class. 9

Medicinals [in a prescription] are classified as the sovereign, minister,
assistant, and envoy. To achieve synergism and coordination, it is

6 The Chinese literally says "no aging." This again belies the Daoist
preoccupation with elixirs of immortality conferring extreme longevity. It does not
just mean the slowing of the aging process and prevention of untimely senility.

7 This passage corresponds to the initial section of Book Four. It has been
purposefully preserved for readers to make a comparison between different
versions.

8 It was believed that some medicinals are effective for treating disease and, at
the same time, are good for the cultivation of various virtues in human beings.

9 The second and the third passage combined correspond to the second passage
in our Book Four. See note 4 above. In many other versions, there is no phrase
corresponding to the part from "one should base" to the end of the sentence. In
that case, the sentence can be rendered as: "[The medicinals] are intended to make
the body light...or control disease..."

10 Here, evil qi refers to sudden, serious conditions and/or mental-neurological
problems, such as epilepsy, pestilential wind, and malign stroke. The latter is a
sudden loss of consciousness or sudden contraction of paralysis. In sometimes
later sections this term means no more than a sudden, serious condition

appropriate to use one sovereign, two ministers, and five assistants. It is
also possible to use one sovereign, three ministers, and nine assistants and
envoys. 11

Medicinals should coordinate [with each other] in terms of yin and yang,
like mother and child or brothers. 12 They may be roots, stalks, flowers, or
fruits [of a plant], and they may be herbs, stones, bones, or flesh. Some
[medicinals] can go [i-e., be used] alone. Some need each other. Some
mutually reinforce [each other]. Some fear each other. Some are averse to
each other. Some clash with each other. Some kill each other. These seven
emotions [i.e., relationships] require that, when combining [medicinals], it
is proper to use those that need each other and are mutually empowering.
One should not use those that are mutually averse or mutually clash. As

11 This refers to the proportions of the amounts of ingredients in a formula. One
sovereign and two ministers is called an odd prescription. It is for so-called near
disease. One sovereign and three ministers is an even prescription. It is designed
for so-called distant disease. On the one hand, a sovereign medicinal is one from
the superior class. On the other hand, it also may refer to the main ingredient in
a formula which has a direct action on the disease. Minister, assistant, and envoy
medicials should be understood in a similar way.

12 Medicinals are divided into yin and yang depending on their natures and
actions. Those that are ascending and effusing are yang, while those that provoke
vomiting or are precipitating are yin. Those which are acrid, sweet, and heat¬
generating are yang, and those that are bitter, sour, and salty are yin. Those which
are rich in flavor are yang, while those with a bland flavor are yin. Medicinals that
tranquilize and are sluggish in action are yin. In contrast, those that easily and
quickly penetrate are yang. Those which are able to move the qi division are yang,
while those able to move the blood division are yin.

As to mother and child, etc., there are two different interpretations. According to
one interpretation, the various medicinals in a prescription should work in a well
coordinated way similar to a mother and her child or between brothers. According
to another interpretation, various medicinals in a formula should have a five phase
relationship between the generator and the generated (mother and child) and
between assistants or envoys (brothers). However, this latter interpretation is
controversial. In fact, there is a conspicuous lack of five phase systematic
correspondence theory in this text. Unschuld explains this in terms of die Daoist
proclivities of the early ben cao authors who rejected the model of systematic
correspondence along with other C'onfucian-1 .egalist notions.

x

XI

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Preface

for toxic medicinals, they should be processed with those to which they are
averse or with those that kill them. Otherwise they cannot be used in
combination.

Medicinals may have five flavors—sour, salty, sweet, bitter, and acrid.
Furthermore, they have four qi—cold, hot, warm, and cool. 13 They may be
toxic or nontoxic. Whether they should be dried in the shade or in the sun,
which seasons and months they should be collected and processed in,
whether they should be used raw or after processing, where they should
be produced, whether they are genuine or fake, or old or new, all this has
a method to go by.

Because of their natures, some medicinals are appropriate for pills, others
for powders, some for boiling in water, others for soaking in wine, and
[yet] others for boiling down to a paste. There are also cases where one
material is suitable for various forms. Some, [however,] cannot be put in
water or wine. One should follow the natures of medicinals and must not
violate these.

In order to treat a disease, one should first make a study of its origin and
observe its mechanisms. Before the five viscera become vacuous, the six
bowels are exhausted, the blood vessels [i.e., the pulse] become chaotic, 14
and the essence spirit is dissipated, administration of medicinals will
surely result in survival. If disease has already taken shape, then half
recovery can be achieved. If the disease condition has gone too far, it will
be hard to restore the life.

When treating disease with toxic medicinals, one should first use a
sorghum grain-sized amount. Once the disease is gone, one should stop

13 Nowhere subsequently in the body of this classic are the four qi or natures
mentioned. Only flavor is attributed under each medicinal's individual discussion.
The concept of the four qi as part of a medicinal's nature was a later advance in
Chinese medical theory. Therefore, this section must have been added by some
later editor.

14 The term chaotic pulse should be understood in a general way. It does not
merely mean a terribly arrhythmic pulse. A pulse which is incongruous with the
season or the disease is also called a chaotic pulse.

xii

using it. If the disease is yet to leave, double the amount. If it is still there,
increase the amount 10 times. The amount is measured by the removal of
the disease.

To treat cold, one should use hot medicinals. To treat heat, one should use
cold medicinals. For nondispersion of drink and food, one should
prescribe ejecting and precipitating medicinals. For demonic influx and gu
toxins, 15 one should prescribe toxic medicinals. For welling abscesses and
swellings, sores and tumors, one should prescribe wound medicinals. 16 For

15 The terms demonic influx (gui zhu) and gu toxins (gu du) are often mentioned
in juxtaposition as a single concept. Demonic influx is a synonym of cadaverous
influx (shi zhu). The word demonic (gui) can be defined as terrible, intractable, or
fatal, while influx (zhu) means infectiousness. Therefore, demonic influx usually
refers to an infectious disease of sudden onset manifesting acute abdominal pain,
cold and heat, masses in the rib-side region, and aching pain everywhere in the
body which baffles location. This disease may last years before it finally ends in
death. In some contexts, demonic influx may also refer to lao zhai (taxation
consumption) or tuberculosis in modem terms.

Gu toxins refer to disease caused by imaginary or real poisonous worms. These
were believed to cause unbearable stomachache, fulminant swelling, blood
ejection, and derangement. In premodem texts, many disorders with unclear
causes are often spoken of as gu toxins. Sun Si-miao (581-682 CE) said:

There are a thousand kinds of gu toxins which differ from each other. These
may manifest as precipitating fresh blood; a desire to stay in a dark room,
hating light; a perverse mood, now being angry but now happy; or
heaviness of the limbs with aching and soreness in the hundreds of joints.
There is no end to their manifestations. Some cases will not die until three
years after contraction. Some acute cases die in a month or 100 days. On
death, [the worms] never fail to exit from the nine portals or through the
rib-side.

16 Wound medicinals are those that disperse binding (i.e., scatter nodulation), free
the flow of the channels, disinhibit the orifices, dispel wind, transform phlegm,
and precipitate blood stasis. In addition, such medicinals are often applied
externally.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Preface

wind dampness, one should prescribe wind dampness medicinals. 17 In all
[cases], one should follow appropriately [i.e., match the medicinals to the
nature of the disease].

If the disease is located above the diaphragm in the chest, one should take
the medicinals after meals. If the disease is located below the heart [or] in
the abdomen, one should take the medicinals before meals. If the disease
is located in the four limbs or the blood vessels, it is proper to take the
medicinals on an empty stomach in the morning. If the disease is located
in the bones and marrow, it is proper to take the medicinals on a full
stomach in the evening.

17 E.g., Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae), Bai Zhu (Rhixoma
Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), and Gui Zhi (Ramulus
Cinnamomi Cassiae)

The great diseases mainly include wind stroke, cold damage, 18 cold and
heat, 19 warm malaria, 20 malign stroke, 21 sudden turmoil, 22 enlarged
abdomen, water swelling, intestinal afflux 23 and dysentery, inhibited
urination and defecation, running piglet, 24 qi ascent, cough and
counterflow, 25 retching and vomiting, jaundice, wasting thirst, lodged

18 Wind stroke and cold damage here imply two patterns of cold damage disease.
When wind cold strikes a person, it gives rise to the illness of cold damage. If it
manifests spontaneous sweating and a moderate pulse, it is known as wind stroke.
If it is characterized by absence of perspiration and a tight pulse, it is called cold
damage.

19 Cold and heat may refer to alternating fever and chills, but more often they
refer to fever with aversion to cold.

20 Warm malaria is a specific type of malaria in which the attack of fever precedes
the chills or fever is followed by an absence of chills.

21 Malign stroke is similar to demonic influx and gu toxins. Sometimes these are
difficult to distinguish. It covers a large spectrum of variegated diseases or
problems. There are 14 species of malign stroke which even include committing
suicide by hanging, drowning, summerheat stroke, and frostbite. According to the
Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (Origins & Symptoms of Various Diseases) published by
Chao Yuan-fang in 610 CE, malign stroke "is stroke by a demonic or spiritual qi
under the condition of debilitated essence and spirit." Its main signs and
symptoms are sudden onset, cold and heat, heart and abdominal pain, generalized
pain, blood ejection and hemafecia, inhibited breathing, urinary and fecal
stoppage, and arched-back rigidity.

22 Sudden turmoil is a result of the mutual interference between the clear and
turbid qi. Its manifetations are mainly sudden onset with simultaneous vomiting
and diarrhea.

21 Intestinal afflux refers to dysentery with hemafecia.

24 Running piglet is also called kidney accumulation. It refers to qi starting from
the lower abdomen and rushing to the heart. This qi often moves up and down
irregularly.

2 ’ Qi ascent is a trouble accompanying coughing, similar to asthma in modem
terms. Qi ascent and counterflow cough are often mentioned as one single trouble.
Then its translation is cough with counterflow qi ascent.

xiv

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

rheum and food aggregation, 26 hardness and accumulation, concretions
and conglomerations, 27 fright evil, 28 withdrawal and epilepsy, demonic
influx, throat impediment, 29 toothache, deafness, blindness, incised
wounds, broken bones, welling abscesses and swellings, malign sores,
hemorrhoids and fistulas, and goiters and tumors. In males, there are five
taxations and seven damages, 30 vacuity and fatigue, languor and
emaciation, while in females, there are vaginal discharge, flooding, and
blood block. [Besides,] there are wounds caused by worm and snakebite
and damage done by gu toxins. The above is a [short] synopsis.

One should base [the treatment of disease] on its primary [pattern] which
may [then] have variants. [These variants] can be likened to branches and
leaves. 31 [Then] it is proper to make a prescription in accordance with the
signs they show.

26 Lodged rheum and food aggregation constitute a syndrome which centers
around indigestion. Its manifestations may include chest fullness and glomus,
emaciation, alternating cold and heat, no appetite, and abnormal defecation.

27 Hardness and accumulation mean accumulation and gathering which in turn
can be synonymous with concretions and conglomerations. A concretion is a
tangible mass which is fixed in location, while a conglomeration is an intangible
mass which comes and goes and may move about.

28 This term is synonymous with fright wind as usually seen in children.

29 Throat impediment often does not simply mean sore throat. It is characterized
by sore throat, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and sometimes dryness in the
mouth, vexation, and a curled tongue.

30 The five taxations refers to taxations of the five viscera. This term is derived
from the Nei Jing (Inner Classic ), which says, "Protracted looking damages the
blood \le., the heart]; protracted lying damages the qi [i.e., the lungs]..." However,
this term may also refer to affect taxation, thought taxation, heart taxation, worry
taxation, and emaciation taxation. The seven damages or injuries are liver damage,
heart damage, spleen damage, lung damage, kidney damage, bone damage, and
vessel damage.

31 This sentence implies that a pattern may have several variants or sub-patterns.
The primary pattern is the root, while its variants or sub-patterns an* the branches
and leaves growing out of it.

\vi

Table of Contents

Publisher's Foreword..i

Book One

Preface .ix

Book Two

Jades and Stones: Superior Class . 1

Jades and Stones: Middle Class . 9

Jades and Stones: Inferior Class . 13

Herbs: Superior Class. 17

Herbs: Middle Class. 41

Herbs: Inferior Class. 67

Woods: Superior Class. 85

Woods: Middle Class. 95

Woods: Inferior Class. 103

Book Three

Animals: Superior Class. Ill

Animals: Middle Class. 119

Animals: Inferior Class. 129

Fruits and Vegetables: Superior Class. 137

Fruits and Vegetables: Middle Class. 141

Fruits and Vegetables: Inferior Class. 145

Cereals: Superior Class. 147

Cereals: Middle Class. 149

Cereals: Inferior Class . 151

Book Four

Omission from the Ben Cao Jing . 153

A Supplement of 12 Passages from Wu's Ben Cao

(Wu's Materia Medica). 157

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various

Medicinals. 159

Addendum. 185

CGeneral Index .189

Ben Cao Jing
Book Two

Jades and Stones: Superior Class

Yu Quart (Nephritum) is sweet and balanced. 32 It mainly treats hundreds
of diseases of the five viscera. It limbers the sinews and strengthens the
bones, quiets the ethereal and corporeal souls, promotes the growth of the
muscles and flesh, and boosts the qi. Protracted taking may cultivate
endurance to cold and summerheat and make one free from hunger and
thirst 33 to become a non-aging immortal. If one takes five catties [i.e., 500g

32 Yu Quan literally means jade spring. There is reason to suspect that this is a
typographical error and that this should read Yu Xue (Jade Dust). It is said that, in
olden times, there was the practice of grinding Jade into powder and then taking
it to keep fit and prevent disease.

Usually, the character of a medicinal is mainly described in terms of its flavor and
its qi {i.e., temperature or nature). The five flavors are sweet, bitter, acrid, sour, and
salty, while the four qi include cold, hot, warm, and cool. Medicinals that are
neither cold or hot, neither warm or cool are called level or balanced. Take Talcum
for example. Its flavor is sweet, while its qi is cold. However, at the time this work
was written, a medicinal's flavor and qi were not distinguished. Rather, these two
were incorporated into one single concept—flavor. Therefore, a typical medicinal
description in our source text might read that it has a sweet and cold flavor.
Because this sounds quite curious in English, we have simply omitted the word
flavor altogether.

33 It is said that if one has reached a certain level in the Dao through self-
cultivation or by taking certain medicinals, one may live for long periods of time
without eating and drinking without suffering any deleterious effect. In Asia, this
belief is common to Daoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Jades and Stones: Superior Class

of it] when dying, one’s complexion will remain unchanged for three years
after death. Its other name is Yu Zha (Jade Sweet Wine).

Dan Sha (Cinnabar) 34 is sweet and slightly cold. It treats hundreds of
diseases of the five viscera and the body. It nurtures the essence spirit,
quiets the ethereal and corporeal souls, boosts the qi, brightens the eyes,
and kills spirit demons and evil malign ghosts. 35 Protracted taking may
enable one to communicate with the spirit light 36 and prevent senility. It is
capable of transforming into mercury. It is produced in mountains and
valleys [or mountain valleys].

Shui Yin (Mercurius) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats scabs, itching sores,
and bald white scalp sores, kills worms and lice on the skin, induces
abortion, and eliminates fever. It kills the toxins of gold, silver, copper, and
tin. When melted, it reduces to Cinnabar. Protracted taking may make one
an ever-living immortal. It is produced from the earth in the plains.

34 Cinnabar is now mainly used to treat confused spirit, fright palpitations, fearful
throbbing, and insomnia. However, because it is also able to boost the blood and
the qi, it is often prescribed to supplement blood and qi vacuity in order to quiet
the spirit. Because it is a heavy medicinal, tending to downbear, it can also be used
to suppress retching and vomiting.

35 Demonology was one of three models of disease current in China when this
book was originally compiled in the late Han dynasty. This is reflected in
numerous mentions to demons and ghosts in this text. The other two medical
models current in China during this period were magical correspondence and
systematic correspondence. Because of the Daoist provenance of this text,
systematic correspondence is largely lacking herein and, where it does appear,
may be a later interpolation. Affliction by demons and ghosts causes such
disorders as palpitations, fearful throbbing, and clouded spirit or, in modem
terms, mental-emotional derangement.

36 Communication with the spirit light is another supernatural ability sought for
by Daoist adepts through self-cultivation and the ingestion of elixirs. It refers to
supernatural vision as in seeing the past or future or seeing events occuring at a
distance.

Kong Qing (Azuritum) 37 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats clear-eye
blindness and deafness, brightens the eyes, disinhibits the nine orifices,
frees the flow of the blood vessels, and nurtures the essence spirit.
Protracted taking may make the body light, prolong life, and prevent
senility. It is able to transform copper, iron, lead, and tin into gold. It is
produced in mountains and valleys.

Ceng Qing (Azuritum) is sour and a little cold. It mainly treats eye pain,
relieves tearing and wind impediment, 38 disinhibits the joints, frees the
nine orifices, and breaks concretions and conglomerations, accumulations
and gatherings. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent
senility. It is able to transform into gold and copper. It is produced in
mountains and valleys.

Bai Qing (Azuritum) is sweet and balanced. It mainly brightens the eyes,
disinhibits the nine orifices, [treats] deafness and evil qi below the heart,
provokes vomiting in people, and kills various toxins and the three [kinds
of] worms. 39 Protracted taking may enable one to communicate with the
spirit light, make the body light, prolong life, and prevent senility. It is
produced in mountains and valleys.

37 This medicinal and the next three are all derived from the same mineral source.
They all exist in nature in the form of ore. However, this ore may be found in
different shapes and, hence, the three different ingredients. Kong Qing is a round
shape with a hollow center. Ceng Qing is found in stratified layers. Bian Qing is
found in short cylinders. Bai Qing is the same substance as Bian Qing but is white.

38 Wind impediment refers to migratory joint pain due to wind, cold, and
dampness with wind as the prevalent factor. It is usually accompanied by aching
pain in the flesh.

39 This refers to the various kinds of parasites within the body. Chao Yuan-fang
(5th-6th centuries CE), the author of the Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (Treatise on the
Origins & Symptoms of Various Diseases ), says that the three worms are pinworms,
roundworms, and red worms. Red worms are described as a flesh-colored worm
causing rumbling intestines, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, occasionally,
homafccia.

2

3

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Jades and Stones: Superior Class

Bian Qing (Azuritum) is a little cold and nontoxic. It mainly treats eye
pain, brightens the eyes, and [heals] fracture [caused by] falls as well as
welling abscesses and swellings, and refractory incised wounds. It breaks
accumulations and gatherings, resolves toxic qi, and disinhibits the essence
spirit. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent senility. It
is produced in mountains and valleys.

Yun Mu (Muscovitum) is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats dead
muscles and skin in the body 40 as well as wind stroke cold and heat [with
dizziness and sickness] as if on board a cart or boat. It eliminates evil qi,
quiets the five viscera, boosts the fetal essence [i.e., semen], brightens the
eyes, makes the body light, and prolongs life. Its other name is Yun Hua
(Cloud Flower). Yet another name is Yun Ying (Cloud Floret). It is also
called Yun Ye (Cloud Fluid), Yun Sha (Cloud Sand), and Lin Shi
(Fluorescent Stone). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Po Xiao (Slaked Lime) is bitter and cold. It is nontoxic and mainly treats
hundreds of diseases. It eliminates cold and heat and evil qi and expels
accumulations and gatherings in the six bowels as well as firmly bound
retention and aggregation [of water and food]. It is able to transform 72
kinds of stone. If it is taken after being sublimated, it may make one an
immortal with a light body. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Xiao Shi (Mirabilitum) 41 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats accumulated
heat in the five viscera and stomach distention and block. It flushes away
accumulated abiding drink and food, weeds out the old to bring forth the
new, and eliminates evil qi. It may be sublimated into a paste. Protracted
taking may make the body light. It is also named Mang Xiao (Aristate
Lime). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

40 Dead muscles refer to a sensation of itching in the flesh like wriggling worms
i.e., formication.

Mirabilitum is a very good cathartic which is often prescribed to precipitate or
purge food and drink accumulation from the stomach and intestines. However, in
this text, the translator suspects that Mirabilitum and Slaked Lime have been
mistakenly juxtaposed in terms of their indications.

Fan Shi (Alumen) is sour and cold. It mainly treats cold and heat, diarrhea
and dysentery, white ooze [i.e., white vaginal discharge], genital erosion,
malign sores, and eye pain. It fortifies the bones and teeth. If it is taken
after being sublimated, it may make the body light, prevent senility, and
lengthen life. It is also named Yu Nie (Feather Alumen). It is produced in
mountains and valleys.

Hua Shi (Talcum) 42 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats generalized fever,
afflux diarrhea, difficult lactation in women, and dribbling urinary block.
It disinhibits urination, flushes accumulations and gatherings in the
stomach [with] cold and heat, and boosts the essential qi. Protracted taking
may make the body light and free from hunger and it may prolong life. It
is produced in the mountains and valleys in Zhe Yang. 43

Zi Shi (Flouritum) is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats the heart and
abdomen, cough and counterflow, and evil qi. It supplements insufficiency
and [hence treats] women with 10 year old infertility due to cold wind in
the child's palace [i.e., uterus]. Protracted taking may make the center
warm, the body light, and prolong life. It is produced in the valleys of
Mount Tai. 44

Bai Shi Ying (Quartz Crystal) is sweet and slightly warm. It mainly treats
wasting thirst, impotence, yin [essence] insufficiency, cough and
counterflow, and enduring cold in the chest around the diaphragm. It
boosts the qi and eliminates wind damp impediment. Protracted taking
may make the body light and lengthen life. It is produced in mountains
and valleys.

42 Talcum is also able to clear summerheat and both internal and external heat,
quench vexatious thirst, and cure fulminant diarrhea, dysentery with pressure on
the rectum, and vaginal discharge.

43 This was an ancient county in the precincts of present-day Shandong Province.

44 This refers to the mountains in what is now Shandong Province.

4

5

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Jades and Stones: Superior Class

Qing Shi, Chi Shi, Huang Shi, Bai Shi, Hei Shi (Halloysitum Viridis,
Rubrum, Aureum, Album, Negrum, etc.) 45 are sweet and balanced. They
mainly treat jaundice, diarrhea and dysentery, intestinal afflux with pus
and blood, genital erosion, precipitation of blood, red and white [vaginal
discharge], evil qi, welling abscesses and swellings, flat abscesses,
hemorrhoids, malign sores, head sores, and itching scabs. Protracted
taking may replenish the marrow, boost the qi, and make one fat and
strong, free from hunger, and the body light while prolonging life. The five
colors of Halloysitum [each] respectively supplement the five viscera in
accordance with their colors. 46

Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang (Limonitum) 47 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
cough and counterflow qi ascent, concretions and conglomerations, blood
block, and leaking. It eliminates evil qi. Protracted taking may build
endurance to cold or summerheat and hunger and make one an immortal
with a body so light as to be able to fly a thousand li. Its other name is Shi
Nao (Stone Brain). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Yu Yu Liang (Limonitum) is sweet and cold. It mainly treats cough and
counterflow, cold and heat, vexatious fullness, red and white dysentery,
blood block, concretions and conglomerations, and great fever. Taking it

45 The identities of these medicinals are controversial. Many people believe that
all except for Hei Shi Zhi are variously colored Kaolinite days, while Hei Shi Zhi is
a kind of Graphite.

46 The five viscera correspond respectively to the five colors: the heart to red, the
lungs to white, the liver to green-blue, the spleen to yellow, and the kidneys to
black. It follows then that, for example, Halloysitum Album supplements the
lungs, while Hallyositum Rubrum supplements the heart, etc.

47 Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang can be literally translated as the Surplus Provisions of Yu of
Great Supremacy. Great Supremacy ( Tai Yi) was the teacher of legendary Yu who
was the founder of China's first empire. Therefore, this medicinal was regarded
as a divine medicinal. Actually, however, it is the same substance as the next one
(Yu Yu Liang). In ancient times, two forms of this single substance were identified
based on their different areas of production.

0

after it is sublimated may make one free from hunger, the body light, and
prolong life. It is produced in pools and swamps. 48

Xiong Huang (Realgar) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats cold and
heat, mouse fistulas, 49 malign sores, flat abscesses, hemorrhoids, and dead
muscles. It kills spiritual matters, 50 vicious demons, evil qi, and hundreds
of toxic worms and insects. It overpowers the five weapons. 51 Taking it
after it is sublimated may make one an immortal with a light body. Its
other name is Huang Shi Shi (Yellow Edible Stone). It is produced in
mountains and valleys.

48 In ancient times, Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang and Yu Yu Liang were differentiated
according to their different places of production. That produced in the mountains
was referred to as Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang, while plain Yu Yu Liang was believed to be
formed under water.

In most but not all cases throughout this work where a medicinal is said to grow
or be produced in the pool or in the river, the real meaning is that the medicinal
is a lowland product found near water rather than an aquatic product per se.

49 l.e., tubercular lymphadenopathy in the neck and the armpit

50 Spiritual matter simply means a spirit or ghost which causes a sudden,
fulminant disease usually accompanied by mental disorders such as delirious
speech and hallucinations. In ancient times, it was believed that there was a spirit
which resided inside every animate or inanimate thing and that this spirit might
act in the world at large in either a benevolent or malevolent way. In particular,
weasels and foxes were believed to be possessed by malevolent spirits which might
negatively afflict human beings.

r>1 The five weapons refer to commonly used weapons in premodem times, for
example, the spear and pike. This sentence implies that Realgar possesses a
supernatural protective power when worn as an amulet. Carrying it on one's body
was believed to make a warrior invulnerable in battle.

7

Jades and Stones: Middle Class

Shi Dan (Cuprus Sulphate) 52 is sour and a little cold. It mainly brightens
the eyes [and treats] eye pain, incised wounds, and all [kinds of] epilepsy
and tetany. [It treats] genital erosion and pain in females, stone strangury,
cold and heat, flooding and precipitation of blood, and various kinds of
evil and toxic qi. It makes pregnancy possible. Taking it after it is
sublimated may prevent senility, while protrated taking may increase
longevity and make one an immortal. It may change iron into copper, gold,
or silver. Its other name is Bi Shi (Green Stone). It is produced in
mountains and valleys.

Shi Zhong Ru (Stalactitum) 53 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats cough
and counterflow qi ascent. It brightens the eyes, boosts the essence, quiets
the five viscera, frees the hundreds of joints, disinhibits the nine orifices,
and promotes lactation. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Yin Nie (Stalactitum) is acrid and warm. It mainly treats frostbite, blood
stasis, diarrhea and dysentery, cold and heat, mouse fistulas, and
concretion and conglomeration bound qi. Its other name is Jiang Shi
(Ginger Stone). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Kong Gong Nie (Stalactitum) is acrid and warm. It mainly treats food
damage, nontransformation of food, evil bound qi, malign sores, flat

52 This medicinal is toxic and erosive. It is only used to treat tooth decay, nasal
polyps, sores, and flat abscesses. Occasionally, it is applied to eye diseases.

This medicinal is obtained from the root of a stalactite. In differentiating Shi
Zhong Ru and the next two medicinals, Li Shi-zhen, the great Ming dynasty
pharmacologist, explains that a stalactite is like a breast. The nipple is Shi Zhong
Ru, the body is Kong Gong Nie, and the root is Yin Nie.

9

The Divine Farmer's Materia Mediea Classic

Jades and Stones: Middle Class

abscesses, and hemorrhoids and fistulas. It disinhibits the nine orifices and
promotes lactation. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Ci Huang (Auripigmentum) is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats malign
sores, baldness, and scabs. It kills toxic insects and lice [causing] itching of
the body, and [it treats] evil qi and all toxins. Protracted taking after it is
sublimated may make the body light, prolong life, and prevent senility. It
is produced in mountains and valleys.

Shi Liu Huang (Sulphur) 54 is sour and warm. It is toxic, treating mainly
genital erosion in females, flat abscesses, hemorrhoids, and malign blood.
It fortifies the sinews and bones and cures baldness. It is able to transform
rare matters like gold, silver, copper, and iron. It is produced in mountains
and valleys.

Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum) is sour and nontoxic. It mainly treats flooding
and leaking, 55 breaking the blood in the uterus, and concretion and
conglomeration bound qi. [It also treats] cold and heat, abdominal pain,
infertility, and impotence, and it supplements insufficiency. Its other name
is Bai Shi (White Stone). It is produced in the mountains and valleys of Qi
Shan. 56

54 In olden times, Sulphur was also used to treat cold vacuity of the lower origin,
original qi bordering on expiry, enduring cold diarrhea, spleen and stomach
vacuity, and some fatal diseases. However, because it is toxic, one must stop taking
it once the disease has been hit.

55 Flooding and leaking is due to damage of chong and ren vessels. Flooding refers
to sudden, profuse vaginal bleeding, while leaking refers to continual, usually
scanty dribbling of blood from the vagina. Wiseman's term for beng lou is flooding
and spotting. However, the Chinese lou means to leak. In this case, spotting is not
a denotative translation but rather a gloss on the meaning. Since this is a yin yang
term, we feel it is best to translate the words and not gloss the meaning in modem
terms.

56 Qi Shan is in the suburbs of Jinan, the capital of present-day Shandong
Province.

Ning Shui Shi (Calcareous Spar) 57 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats
generalized fever, concretion and accumulation evil qi in the abdomen,
burning heat within the skin, and vexatious fullness. It is taken with water.
Protracted taking may make one free from hunger. Its other name is Bai
Shui Shi (White Water Stone). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Ci Shi (Magnetitum) 58 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats generalized
impediment due to cold dampness, pain in the limb joints, inability to grip
things, and continual soreness and aching. It eliminates great fever,
vexatious fullness, and deafness. Its other name is Xuan Shi (Red Stone).
It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Li Shi (Gypsum Fibrosum) 59 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats generalized
fever, disinhibits the stomach, resolves vexation, boosts the essence,
brightens the eyes, breaks accumulations and gatherings, and removes the
three [kinds of] worms. Its other name is Li Zhi Shi (Instantly Ready Stone).
It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Chang Shi (Feldspar) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats generalized fever
and reversal cold of the limbs. It disinhibits urination, frees the flow of the
blood vessels, brightens the eyes, eliminates screen causing blindness,
removes the three [kinds of] worms, and kills gu toxins. Protracted taking
may make one free of hunger. Its other name is Fang Shi (Rectangular
Stone). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

57 The pharmacological identification of this medicinal is still under some debate.
Some authorities identify it as Glauberitum, Gypsum, or Calcitum.

58 This medicinal is able to boost the kidney qi and supplement the essence and
marrow. Therefore, it is used to treat kidney vacuity deafness and blurred vision.

w Although this medicinal's identity is not absolutely certain, it is probably either
(lypsum or Calcitum.

10

II

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Fu Qing (Azuritum) 60 is acrid. It mainly treats gu toxins, snake toxins, and
all toxins of vegetables and meats as well as malign wounds. 61 Its other
name is Tui Qing (Pushing Green-blue). It is produced in mountains and
valleys.

Tie Luo (Frusta Ferri) 62 is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats wind heat,
malign wounds, sores, flat abscesses, scabs, and [evil] qi within the skin.
Tie (Ferrum) mainly fortifies the sinews and cultivates endurance to pain.
Tie Jing (Frusta Ferri) 63 mainly brightens the eyes and is able to transform
copper. [Ferrum] is produced in plains and swamps.

60 This medicinal may also be Malachitum. Its identity is not certain.

61 The word chuang has more than a single English meaning. Therefore, malign
wound (e chuang) may also refer to malign sores.

62 Chen Cang-qi, who lived in the 8th century CE, gave a detailed explanation
about the indications of iron dust when he said:

It resolves various toxic substances having entered the abdomen, and, after
being taken, it is able to settle the heart and brighten the eyes. Its
indications include withdrawal and epilepsy, fever, acute jaundice, running
about frenetically, and withdrawal and mania of the six kinds of
domesticated animals. If a person is bitten by a snake, dog, tiger, wolf, or
poisonous malign insects, one may take it and it will keep the toxins from
penetrating.

63 According to the text, there is a distinction between Tie (iron). Tie Jing (iron
dust in the forge), and Tie Luo (iron dust fallen from the anvil while the iron is
being struck). In some versions of this book, these three substances are treated in
three separate passages. In other versions, these three are dealt with in a single
passage as above.

Jades and Stones: Inferior Class

Shi Gao (Gypsum) 64 is acrid and slightly cold. It mainly treats wind stroke
cold and heat, counterflow qi below the heart, fright, panting, dry mouth,
parched tongue, inability to catch one's breath, and hardness and pain in
the abdomen. It eliminates evil ghosts, promotes lactation, and [heals]
incised wounds. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Qing Lang Gan (Malachitum) 65 is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats
itching of the body, bums, welling abscesses, sores, scabs, and dead
muscles. Its other name is Shi Zhu (Stone Pearl). It is produced in plains
and swamps.

Yu Shi (Arsenolitum) 66 is acrid. It is toxic, treating mainly cold and heat,
mouse fistulas, erosion sores, dead muscles, wind impediment, hardness
in the abdomen, and evil qi. It eliminates heat. Its other name is Qing Fen
Shi (Green-blue Breakable Stone). Yet another name is Li Zhi Shi (Instantly

64 In ancient times. Gypsum Fibrosum, which is presently called Shi Gao, was
called Li Shi , while Gypsum, which was called Shi Gao in ancient times, is the
present-day Ying Shi Gao (literally. Hard Gypsum). Fibrous Gypsum is particularly
able to clear fire, including both stomach fire and lung fire, and to relax the spleen
and boost the qi. Therefore, it is used to treat yang ming headache, cold and heat,
tidal fever, intense thirst and massive drinking, summerheat, and toothache.
Externally, it is often used to remove putrefied muscle ( i.e ., flesh and skin),
promote the growth of the muscles (i.e., die flesh and skin), and stop pain.

65 This medicinal may possibly be turquois.

66 The identity of this medicinal is controversial. Some people suggest it is really
Mispickel, while others reject this notion. In many other versions, there is "and
greatly hot" after the wont "acrid."

12

13

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica C lassie

Jades and Stones: Inferior Class

Ready Stone). It is also called Gu Yang Shi (Fasten Goat Slone) It is
produced in mountains and valleys.

Dai Zhe (Haematitum) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats demonic influx,
bandit wind, 67 and gu toxins. It kills spiritual matters and vicious ghosts
as well as toxic and evil qi in the abdomen. It [checks] red ooze 68 and
leaking. Its other name is Xu Wan (Hairy Pills). It is produced in mountains
and valleys.

Lu Xian (Alkali) 69 is bitter, salty, and cold. It mainly treats great fever,
wasting thirst, and manic vexation. It eliminates evils and [treats] vomiting
and diarrhea and gu toxins. It softens [i.e., makes elastic and flexible] the
muscles and flesh.

Da Yan (Sal) causes people to vomit. Rong Yan (Halitum) brightens the
eyes, [relieves] eye pain, boosts the qi, fortifies the muscles and bones, and
eliminates gu toxins. These are produced in lakes and swamps.

67 Wind can be either internal or external. Internal wind is generated within the
body by, for instance, great heat, while external wind refers to the wind in nature.
Bandit wind refers to external wind which causes disease. Another interpretation
suggests that bandit wind refers to painful impediment.

68 Chi wo (red ooze) usually means red dysentery. Since it is mentioned in
juxtaposition with leaking and is clearly a female trouble, the translator suspects
that here it refers to either vaginal or urethral bleeding.

69 The author discusses Alkali, Salt and Halite in a single passage but gives
different indications to each. Chen Cang-qi gave an account of the indications of
Salt. He said:

It mainly treats red eyes, ulcered canthi, and wind ulceration of the eyelid
rim. [For that purpose,] grind the Salt finely, mix it with water, and drop
into the eye. [Salt] is able to enter the abdomen to eliminate heat, vexation,
and phlegm fullness. [Besides, it treats] headache, brightens the eyes, and
settles the heart. [For these purposes,] take it after grinding it in water. In
addition, it mainly treats roundworms, snake and malign insect toxins,
scabs, lichen, welling abscesses and swellings, and scrofulas.

Bai Wu (Kaolin, Chalk) 70 is bitter and warm. It mainly treats females' cold
and heat, concretions and conglomerations, menstrual block [i.e.,
amenorrhea], accumulations and gatherings, genital swelling and pain,
leaking, and infertility. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Qian Dan (Minium) is acrid and slightly cold. It mainly treats cough and
counterflow, stomach reflux, 71 fright epilepsy, and madness. It eliminates
heat and downbears the qi. When sublimated, it turns back into Jiu Guang
(Nine Lights). 72 Protracted taking may enable one to communicate with the
spirit light. It is produced in plains and swamps.

Fen Xi (Galenitum Praeparatum) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats hidden
corpse 73 and toxic [insect] bites. It kills the three [kinds of] worms.

70 Chalk is also used to treat vacuity heat stomach reflux, diarrhea, nosebleed,
hemorrhoids, and, externally, sores on the lower leg, genital itching, and head
sores.

71 Stomach reflux refers to vomiting in the evening what was eaten in the
morning or, in the morning, what was eaten the previous evening. When extreme,
there is vomiting on eating. This is often complicated by a hard mass below the
heart and alternating cold and heat.

72 The meaning of the term Nine Lights is difficult to determine. Some people
suspect that it is a medicine in pill form. However, the translator does not think
this is plausible.

73 Hidden corpse is a disease characterized by spells of pricking pain in the heart
region and abdomen with swelling and distention as well as panting for breath.
However, when the spell is gone, the patient returns to normal. This is believed to
be caused by a hidden evil which has lain for a long time deep in the five viscera.
According to Ri Hua-zi, who lived in the early years of the Song dynasty, so called
hidden corpse might imply swollen welling abscesses, counterflow vomiting,
concretions and conglomerations, and gan. Gan is a disease commonly seen in
children whose main characteristic is indigestion and emaciation.

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_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Xi Tong Jing Bi (Compound of Tin & Copper ) 74 mainly treats females'
blood block, concretions and conglomerations lying in the intestines, and
infertility. [Galenite] is also named Jie Xi (Disintegratable Tin). It is
produced in the mountains and valleys of Gui Yang. 75

Shi Hui (Limestone) is acrid and warm. It mainly treats flat abscesses,
scabs, heat qi, malign sores, lai disease, 76 dead muscles, and falling
eyebrows. It kills hemorrhoidal worms 77 and eliminates black moles and
polyps. Its other name is Wu Hui (Chalk Lime). It is produced in
mountains and valleys.

Dong Hui (Pulvis Fumi Carbonisati ) 78 is acrid and slightly warm. It
mainly treats black moles and eliminates polyps and warts, flat abscesses,
erosive [sores], and scabs. Its other name is Li Hui (Chenopodium Ash).

74 This was a compound of lead and copper from which mirrors were made in
olden times. In those times, tin was often confused with lead.

75 l.e., present-day Chenzhou, Hunan Province

76 This refers to leprosy.

77 The translator has failed to identify hemorrhoidal worms. This term may refer
to pinworms. This sentence may also mean healing hemorrhoids and killing
parasites.

78 This is simply plant ash. However, the ash of Hui Di Cai (Herba Chenopodii
Serotini) is regarded as the best of all. Therefore, at the end of this passage this
medicinal is given the name of Chenopodium Ash.

16

Herbs: Superior Class

QingZhi (Ganoderma Viridis ) 79 is sour and balanced. It mainly brightens
the eyes, supplements the liver qi, quiets the essence and ethereal soul, and
[cultivates] humanity and compassion. Protracted taking may make the
body light, prevent senility, and prolong life so as to make one an
immortal. Its other name is Long Zhi (Dragon Ganoderma). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Chi Zhi (Ganoderma Rubra) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
binding in the chest, boosts the heart qi, supplements the center, sharpens
the wits, and [causes people] not to forget [i.e., improves the memory].
Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent senility, and prolong
life so as to make one an immortal. Its other name is Dan Zhi (Cinnabar
Ganoderma). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Huang Zhi (Ganoderma Aurea) is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats the
five evils in the heart and abdomen, 80 boosts the spleen qi, quiets the

79 In this book, Ganoderma is divided into six types depending on its color.
Because Ganoderma is one of the best medicinals, it is called Immortal Weed. It is
not only able to prevent and treat disease but is said to even cultivate virtues.

80 There are several different interpretations of the five evils. They may either be
pathogens of the five viscera; wind stroke, summerheat damage, food, drink, and
taxation fatigue, cold damage, and dampness stroke; wind, cold, dampness, fog,
and food damage; or vacuity, repletion, bandit, mild, and regular evils. In this
context, probably this last group is what is meant. So-called bandit evils refer to a
disease caused by a pathogen pertaining to the restraining phase. For example, if
heart fire becomes diseased due to kidney water, this is a bandit evil. Regular evils
refer to visceral disease caused only by the involved viscus itself. Mild evils refer
to a disease caused by an evil pertaining to the restrained phase. If heart disease
is transmitted from the lung metal, then this is a so-called mild evil.

17

The Divine Farmers Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

spirit, and [cultivates] loyalty, honesty, gentleness, and a carefree mind.
Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent senility, and prolong
life so as to make one an immortal. Its other name is Jin Zhi (Gold
Ganoderma). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Zhi (Ganoderma Alba) is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats cough
and counterflow qi ascent, boosts the lung qi, disinhibits the mouth and
nose, fortifies the will [to cultivate] bravery and undauntedness, and quiets
the corporeal soul. Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent
senility, and prolong life so as to make one an immortal. Its other name is
Yu Zhi (Jade Ganoderma). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Hei Zhi (Ganoderma Nigra) is salty and balanced. It mainly treats urinary
dribbling block, disinhibits the water passageways, boosts the kidney qi,
frees the nine orifices, and sharpens the hearing. Protracted taking may
make the body light, prevent senility, and prolong life so as to make one
an immortal. Its other name is Xuan Zhi (Dark Ganoderma). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Zi Zhi (Ganoderma Purpurea ) 81 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats
deafness, disinhibits the joints, protects the spirit, boosts the essence qi,
fortifies the sinews and bones, and renders a good facial complexion.
Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent senility, and prolong
life so as to make one an immortal. Its other name is Mu Zhi (Wood
Ganoderma). It grows in mountains and valleys.

81 All the different kinds of Ganoderma except for Purple Ganoderma are
explained according to five phase theory. Take White Ganoderma for example.
White corresponds to metal which, in turn, corresponds to the lungs. Therefore,
it supplements the lung qi, boosts the corporeal soul, and is able to disinhibit the
qi track [i.e. f the respiratory track], the nose, and mouth. Purple Ganoderma is the
only Ganoderma not discussed in this way. Based on this, the suspicion arises that
Purple Ganoderma was added by some later editor(s).

Tiatt Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinensis ) 82 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats all sudden wind dampness and hemilateral impediment. 83 It
strengthens the bone marrow, kills the three [kinds of] worms, and
removes the hidden corpse. Protracted taking may make the body light,
boost the qi, and prolong life. Its other name is Dian Le (Curb at the Top).
It grows in mountains and valleys.

Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis ) 84 is bitter and warm. It mainly treats damp
impediment, dead muscles, tetany, and jaundice. It stops sweating,
eliminates heat, and disperses food. It can be used as a conductor in
decoctions. Protracted taking may make the body light, prolong life, and
make one free from hunger. 85 Its other name is Shan Ji (Mountain Thistle).
It grows in the mountains and valleys of Zheng Shan. 86

82 Asparagus is actually bitter in flavor and cold of qi. Nowadays it is used to
treat panting, steaming heat, ejection of blood, and vacuity taxation. In addition,
it is good for moistening dry intestines. However, it is seldom used for wind
dampness (z.e., rheumatism). In olden times, Daoists regarded Asparagus as an
important medicinal when composing supplementing formulas. For this purpose,
it was usually combined with Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) and Ren Shen (Radix
Panacis Ginseng). They were called Trinity of Heaven (Asparagus), Earth
(Rehmannia), and Humanity (Ginseng).

83 Hemilateral impediment sometimes means hemiplegia.

84 Here, two medidnals are meant. Gang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) and Bai Zhu
(Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae). In olden times, the former was called Chi
Zhu (literally, Red Atractylodes), while the latter was called Bai Zhu (White
Atractylodes). This latter term is still in use today. Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis
Macrocephalae) is able to harmonize the center and dry dampness and, therefore,
is used to treat retching and vomiting, diarrhea, non-transformation of food, and
taxation fatigue. Depending on which other medicinals it is combined with, it can
either promote or stop sweating, quiet the fetus, supplement the blood, and boost
the qi. Gang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) has similar effects but is drastically drying
in nature. It is better for stopping sweating. In addition, it is often used to disperse
swelling and fullness, resolve depression, and cure wilting {i.e., atony).

85 Making one free from hunger here simply implies that this medicinal can be
used as a food.

This is a plac e* in the present-day Shaanxi Province.

18

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medial Classic'

Herbs: Superior Class

WeiRui (Rhizoma Polyganati Odorati ) 87 is sweet and balanc ed. It mainly
treats wind stroke with fulminant heat and inability to stir, sprained
sinews, binding of flesh, and all insufficiency. Protracted taking may
remove black patches from the face. It renders the facial complexion good
and shiny, makes the body light, and prevents senility. It grows in rivers
and valleys [or river valleys].

Gan Di Huang (dry Radix Rehmanniae ) 88 is sweet and cold. It mainly
treats broken [bones], severed sinews from falls, and damaged center. It
expels blood impediment, 89 replenishes the bone marrow, and promotes
the growth of muscles and flesh. When used in decoctions, it eliminates
cold and heat, accumulations and gatherings, and impediment. Using the
uncooked is better. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent
senility. Its other name is Di Sui (Earth Marrow). It grows in [i.e. f near]
rivers and swamps.

87 In olden times, this medicinal was often confused with Wei Ling Xian or Nu
Wan (Radix Clematidis Chinensis). As a result, descriptions of its indications were
sometimes confusing. Nowadays, it is used mainly as a supplementing medicinal
to treat vacuity taxation, glomus, generalized heaviness, and difficult speech. In
addition, it treats impediment of the limbs, dampness influx lumbago, tearing, and
black spots on the face.

88 This passage apparently includes dry, cooked, and uncooked Radix
Rehmanniae. In modem prescriptions, dry Radix Rehmanniae is used to
supplement yin and cool the blood to treat yin vacuity with internal heat, taxation
cough, wilting, impediment, and fright palpitation. In addition, it treats fracture
and severed sinews, quiets the fetus, and kills parasites. Uncooked Radix
Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang) is bitter in flavor and cold of qi. It drains fire from
the heart, kidneys, and intestines. It is an indispensable medicinal for treating
diseases involving the blood. Cooked Radix Rehmanniae (Shu Di Huang) is sweet
and warm. It enriches kidney water and promotes the generation of blood and
marrow. It is particularly good for taxation damage.

89 Blood impediment is a species of impediment manifesting as insensitivity of
the limbs and pain in the limb joints. It is due to wind cold invading and
congesting the vessels as a result of vacuity and sweating in a draft during sleep.
It is sometimes used as a synonym for wind impediment.

Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acoti Graminei ) 90 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
wind cold damp impediment and cough and counterflow qi ascent. It
opens the heart portals, supplements the five viscera, frees the nine
orifices, brightens the eyes and [sharpens] the hearing, and [helps] the
articulation of the voice. Protracted taking may make the body light,
improve memory, prevent confusion, and prolong life. Its other name is
Chang Yang (Flourishing Yang). It grows in pools and swamps.

Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae ) 91 is bitter and warm. It mainly
treats cough with counterflow and damaged center, supplements
insufficiency, eliminates evil qi, disinhibits the nine orifices, sharpens the
wits, brightens the eyes and [sharpens] the hearing, improves memory,
strengthens the will, and doubles [one's physical] strength. Protracted
taking may make the body light and prevent senility. The leaves [i.e.,
Folium Polygalae Tenuifoliae] are called Xiao Cao (Small Weed). Its other
name is Ji Wan (Bramble). Yet another name is Yao Rao (Twining). It is also
called Xi Cao (Thin Weed). It grows in rivers and valleys.

90 Acorns is able to eliminate cold water, disperse phlegm rheum, and dissipate
blood stasis. Therefore, it is prescribed to treat all kinds of wind disease, including
obstinate impediment of the limbs and paralysis. It also opens the stomach,
harmonizes the blood, secures the teeth, brightens the eyes, opens the heart orifice,
and treats the five taxations and seven damages.

91 Polygala is also able to transform phlegm and heal both welling and flat
abscesses. Liao Xi-yong (1556-1627? CE) said:

Welling and flat abscesses are both the result of depressed seven affects and
anger and indignation. Polygala is acrid and, therefore, able to dissipate
depression. This is why it is capable of treating welling and flat abscesses.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis ) 92 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats wind,
cold, damp impediment and difficult lactation. It disperses water,
nourishes the five viscera, boosts the qi and [physical] force, and makes
one fat and strong. Protracted taking may sharpen the ears and eyes, make
one free from hunger, prolong life, make the body light, render the face
brilliant, and enable one to walk over water. Its other name is Shui Xie
(Water Drain). Yet another name is Mang Yu (Awned Yam). It is also called
Hu Xie (Swan Drain). It grows in pools and swamps.

Shu Yu (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae) is sweet and a little warm. It mainly
treats damaged center, supplements vacuity with languor, eliminates cold
and heat and evil qi, supplements the center, boosts the qi and energy, and
promotes the growth of the muscles and flesh. Protracted taking may
sharpen the ears and eyes, make the body light, make one free from
hunger, and prolong life. Its other name is Shan Yu (Mountain Yam). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

92 Alisma is an important medicinal for percolating dampness and disinhibiting
water. It is a bit salty; so it is capable of penetrating the kidneys. Zhang Zhi-cong
(1610-1674? CE) gave a detailed annotation to this passage saying:

The reason why it mainly treats wind, cold, damp impediment is its ability
to bring up the water fluids from the lower part to irrigate the interstices
of the flesh and skin through center earth. Breast milk is the fluid from the
middle burner. When water fluids enrich center earth, difficult lactation is
cured. The five viscera receive the essence from water and grain. Alisma
can enrich center earth, so it is able to nourish the five viscera. The kidneys
are organs which produce force. When water essence is upborne to supply
nourishment, the qi force [i.e., physical strength] is boosted. When the
interstices of the flesh are irrigated via the center, the person gains weight
and becomes strong. Because water qi is able to ascend and then descend,
water [swelling] is dispersed.

]u Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii ) 93 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats head wind, head dizziness, and head swelling and pain with the
eyes [painful] as if they were fit to burst from their sockets, tearing, dead
skin and muscles, aversion to wind, and damp impediment. Protracted
taking may disinhibit the blood and qi, make the body light, slow aging,
and prolong life. Its other name is Jie Hua (Seasonal Flower). It grows in
rivers and swamps.

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae ) 94 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats the
five viscera and six bowels, cold and heat, and evil qi. It fortifies the
sinews and bones, promotes the growth of the muscles and flesh, doubles
[one's physical] strength, [heals] incised wounds and swellings, and
resolves toxins. Protracted taking may make the body light and prolong
life. It grows in rivers and valleys.

93 Chrysanthemum is able to supplement water and boost metal. Once metal is
brought to order, wood is automatically levelled. Once wood is levelled, wind will
subside and fire will be eliminated. For that reason. Chrysanthemum is prescribed
to treat damp impediment, wandering wind, and wind headache and wind
dizziness. Wind headache and dizziness accompany one another. This syndrome
attacks unpredictably and irregularly just as wind does. During an attack, there is
dizziness often complicated by headache, blurred vision, counterflow vomiting,
and, in extreme cases, reversal cold of the limbs. In addition. Chrysanthemum
supplements yin blood. Once the blood is settled and the liver is levelled, eye
diseases are cured.

94 Wang Ang (1615-17?? CE) said:

Used uncooked. Licorice supplements spleen and stomach insufficiency
and drains heart fire. After being mix-fried, it supplements the triple burner
original qi and dissipates exterior cold. Put in a harmonizing formula, it
supplements and boosts. Put in a sweating formula, it resolves the muscles.

Put in a cooling formula, it drains evil heat. Put in a precipitating formula,
it moderates the righteous qi. Put in a moistening formula, it nourishes the
yin bkxxi. It is able to coordinate with various medicinals preventing them
from clashing with eac h other. It promotes the growth of the muscles,
relieves pain, and resolves the toxins of various medicinals.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Ren Shen (Radix Panacis Ginseng) 95 is sweet and a little cold. It mainly
supplements the five viscera. It quiets the essence spirit, settles the ethereal
and corporeal souls, checks fright palpitations, eliminates evil qi, brightens
the eyes, opens the heart, and sharpens the wits. Protracted taking may
make the body light and prolong life. Its other name is Ren Xian (Human

95 Based on this work, Li Gao, a.k.a Li Dong-yuan (1180-1251 CF), gave a general
analysis of the actions of Ginseng. He said, "Ginseng drains fire, quiets the spirit,
stabilizes the corporeal soul, fortifies the spleen, brightens the eyes, eliminates
vexatious thirst, breaks hardness and gathering, and treats vacuity taxation internal
damage and all blood illnesses." From this account, it is obvious that Ginseng is
a multi-purpose medicinal. As far as its fire-draining function is concerned, it can
be applied in many ways. Together with Cimicifuga, it drains lung fire. With the
help of Poria, it drains kidney fire. When combined with Ophiopogon and
Schisandra, it generates the vessels (i.e., the pulse). And it is able to abate intense
fever when prescribed together with Licorice and Astragalus.

In regard to its indications and contraindications, Jiang Ju-zhi, who lived in the
Qing dynasty, said in his Ben Cao Zhai Yao Gang Mu (Outlined Extractions from the
Materia Medica ):

White, yellow, or green-blue dusty facial complexion with a haggard [look]
reveals insufficiency of the spleen, lungs, or kidneys. [In that case. Ginseng]
is indicated. Red or black facial complexion shows vigorous qi and strong
spirit. [In that case,] Ginseng is prohibited [i.e., contraindicated]. If the
pulse is floating as well as scallion-stalk and soggy; is vacuous and large;
is slow, moderate, and forceless; is deep and slow; or is choppy; weak; thin;
bound; or regularly interrupted and forceless, this shows vacuity and
insufficiency. [Then Ginseng] is indicated. If the pulse is bowstring and
long; tight; replete; slippery; or rapid and forceful, this is a result of fire
depression and internal repletion. [In that case,] Ginseng is prohibited. In
case of panting and coughing. Ginseng should not be used. In case of
kidney vacuity and rough breathing with shortness of breath, it should be
prescribed without delay. If cough is produced by cold embracing heat
evils which are congested in the lungs, it is prohibited. If spontaneous
sweating and aversion to cold accompany cough with disharmony of the
central qi, it should be used without delay. In case of enduring disease
where heat is depressed in the lungs, it is prohibited. When there is lung
vacuity with effulgent fire causing shortness of breath and spontaneous
sweating, it must be used. In various kinds of pain, it should not be used
imprudently. In case of internal vacuity vomiting and diarrhea or in case
of enduring disease where the stomach is vacuous and weak and thus
giving rise to pain which is relievable by pressure, it must be used.

Herbs: Superior Class

Incarnation). Yet another name is Gui Gai (Ghost Shield). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Shi Hu (Herba Dendrobii) 96 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
damaged center. It eliminates impediment, downbears the qi, supplements
the five viscera and vacuity taxation with languor and emaciation, and
fortifies yin. Protracted taking may thicken [i.e., fortify] the stomach and
intestines, make the body light, and prolong life. Its other name is Lin Lan
(Wood Orchid). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Shi Long Rui (Semen Ranunculi Sclerati) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats wind cold damp impediment and evil qi in the heart and abdomen.
It disinhibits the joints and stops vexatious fullness. Protracted taking may
make the body light, brighten the eyes, and prevent senility. Its other name
is Lu Neng Guo (Lu's Able Fruit). Yet another name is Di Ren (Earth
Mulberry). It grows in rivers and swamps.

96 Dendrobium is particularly able to supplement the spleen and stomach to
eliminate vacuity heat and generate fluids. In order to gain a better understanding
of some of the technical terms in this passage, the following quote from Zhang Zhi-
cong may be useful:

When dealing with the indications of the superior class, the Ben Jing usually
merely mentions elimination of impediment instead of wind, cold, and
dampness. Mere mention of impediment implies that [this category of]
impediment is an exterior [disorder] related to the five viscera. The skin is
related to the lungs. The vessels are related to the heart. The flesh is related
to the spleen. The sinews are related to the liver. The bones are related to
the kidneys. To eliminate impediment, one should treat vacuity and
taxation, languor and emaciation due to the five viscera. Thus one may
achieve the miraculous effect of supplementing and boosting while
[Dendrobium] is made to attack the evils in the center. Downbearing the qi
through treating the damaged center is carrying out [downbearing] along
with supplementation and boosting. Here lies a divine principle of
attacking evils.

25

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

Niu Xi (Radix Achyrathis Bidentatae ) 97 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats cold damp wilting and impediment, hypertonicity of the limbs, and
pain in the knees with inability to bend or stretch. It expels the blood and
qi, 98 [treats] heat damage and bums, and induces abortion. Protracted
taking may make the body light and slow aging. Its other name is Bai Bei
(Hundredfold). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Xi Xitt (Herba Asari Cum Radice ) 99 is acrid and a little warm. It mainly
treats cough and counterflow, headache and shaking brain, hypertonicity
of the hundreds of joints, wind damp impediment and pain, and dead
muscles. It brightens the eyes and disinhibits the nine orifices. Protracted

97 When processed with wine, Achyranthes boosts the liver and kidneys and
fortifies the sinews and bones. Therefore, it is able to treat foot wilting,
hypertonicity of the sinews, pain in the lumbus, knees, and bones, impotence,
enuresis, enduring malaria, dysentery, damaged center and diminished qi, severe
pain in the heart and abdomen, strangury and hematuria, amenorrhea, and
difficult delivery. If it is used unprocessed, it dissipates the blood, resolves
binding, and breaks concretions and conglomerations. Achyranthes is also able to
lead fire downward and conduct various medicinals downward towards the feet.
However, because of this action, it should not be used in cases of spleen qi vacuity
sunken below. Otherwise, it may give rise to troubles like seminal emission.

98 Expelling the blood and qi implies breaking binding and dispersing concretions
and conglomerations.

99 Asarum is particularly strong for removing wind cold. Zou Shu (1790-1844 CE)
said:

Whenever wind qi and cold qi cling to the essence, blood, and fluids so as
to give rise to troubles related to urination, snivel, and sputum, [Asarum]
can drain and drive them out...As discussed in the Ben fing, it is able to treat
cough and counterflow [as a result of wind cold clinging to rheum in the
chest], headache and shaking brain [as a result of wind cold clinging to the
brain marrow], hypertonicity of the hundreds of joints [as a result of wind
cold clinging to the humors in the joints], and wind damp impediment pain
and dead muscles [as a result of wind cold clinging to the fluids in the
muscles and flesh]...

Asarum boosts the liver and gallbladder. Therefore, it is able to treat fright
epilepsy, tearing on exposure to wind, and binding.

taking may make the body light and prolong life. Its other name is Xiao Xin
(Small Acrid). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) is bitter and balanced. It is
nontoxic, treating mainly assaulting wind cold and incised wounds. It
relieves pain, running piglet, epilepsy, and tetany, and, in females,
mounting conglomeration. Protracted taking may make the body light and
slow aging. Its other name is Qiang Huo (Qiang Activator). 100 Yet another
name is Qiang Qing (Qiang Green-blue). It is also called Hu Qiang Shi Zhe
(Protecting the Qiang Envoy). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae ) 101 is sweet and balanced. It mainly
resolves the hundreds of toxins, kills the hundreds of essence, old matters,
and ravaging ghosts, 102 and keeps off scourge epidemics, miasmic evils,
and gu toxins. Protracted taking may prevent premature death, make the
body light, and lengthen life. Its other name is Zhou Sheng Ma (Zhou's
Cimicifuga). It grows in mountains and valleys.

100 The Qiang were a tribe of nomads living in northwest China in olden times.

101 The main actions of Cimicifuga include upbearing the clear and downbearing
the turbid, resolving toxins and repulsing epidemic qi. To upbear the clear and
downbear the turbid, it is used in combination with Chinese Scallion. To dissipate
wind evils from the yang ming channel, it is used together with Gypsum. When it
is used together with Bupleurum, Ginseng, and Atragalus, it leads them upward
to relieve toothache. With its help, Pueraria is able to promote sweat in yang ming
patterns. In addition, it is often used to treat spleen vacuity. Zhang Yuan-su, who
lived in the Jin dynasty (1115-1234 CE) said:

Without it as an usher, spleen-supplementing medicinals cannot bring any

effect. Spleen impediment cannot be removed unless it is used.

102 So-called essence which here means spirit, old materials, and ravaging ghosts
all refer to various sorts of sudden diseases with generalized symptoms usually
complicated by mental disorders. It was believed in ancient China that anything
having grown to an extraordinarily old age will produce a special spirit. An age-
old tree, for example, might have a spirit dwelling in it. This would be called tree
spirit. If this spirit was ill-tempered by nature or if someone did something
insulting to it, the person might suffer.

26

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

ChaiHu (Radix Bupleuri ) 103 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats bound
qi in the heart, abdomen, intestines, and stomach, drink and food
accumulation and gathering, cold and heat, and evil qi. It weeds out the
stale to bring forth the new. Protracted taking may make the body light,
brighten the eyes, and boost the essence. Its other name is Di Xun (Earth
Fuming). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Fang Kui (Radix Peucedani Japonici) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats
mounting conglomeration, diarrhea, heat bound in the bladder causing
urinary stoppage, cough and counterflow, warm malaria, epilepsy, fright
evil, and manic running about. Protracted taking may fortify the bone
marrow, boost the qi, and make the body light. Its other name is Li Gai
(Pear Cover). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Chu Shi (Fructus Ailanthi Altissimi) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats impotence, boosts the qi, replenishes the skin and muscles, brightens
the eyes, and [makes one] wise and intelligent so as to forsee [the future].
Protracted taking may make one free from hunger, prevent senility, and
make the body light. It grows in mountains and valleys.

103 In regard to the actions of Bupleurum, the words of Ye Gui (1667-1746 CE) are
instructive:

The viscera and bowels together have 12 channels. All the 11 organs rely on
the gallbladder for decision-making. Bupleurum is able to lift and set free
the gallbladder qi. So long as the gallbladder qi reaches in an orderly
[manner], the [other] 11 organs are in good order and are able to effuse and
transform. As a result, any bound qi, be it in the heart or abdomen, the
stomach or intestines, will be dispersed.

Of all the formulas containing Bupleurum, Da Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Major/Minor
Bupleurum Decoctions) are the most famous and most widely used. In these
formulas, Bupleurum is used to treat both the blood and qi. It may lead the clear
qi of the yang ming up. In the treatment of cold damage or miscellaneous diseases,
these formulas may resolve exterior cold, muscle heat, and alternating cold and
heat, and, in females, cure blood entering the blood chamber and irregular
menstruation. Besides, they are able to disperse blood binding and qi gathering.

An Lu Zi (Herba Artemisiae Keiskeanae ) 104 is bitter and a little warm. It
is nontoxic, treating mainly blood stasis in the five viscera, water qi in the
abdomen, abdominal distention, persisting heat, wind cold damp
impediment, and various kinds of pain in the body. Protracted taking may
make the body light, prolong life, and prevent senility. It grows in rivers
and valleys.

Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi ) 105 is sweet and slightly cold. It
mainly treats hypertonicity of the sinews with inability to contract or
stretch and wind damp impediment. 106 It downbears. Protracted taking
may make the body light and boost the qi. Its root [i.e., Radix Coicis
Lachryma-jobi] is able to precipitate the three [kinds of] worms. Its other
name is Jie Li (Woodworm Eliminator). It grows in plains and swamps.

Che Qian Zi (Herba Plantaginis) is sweet and cold. It is nontoxic, mainly
treating qi dribbling urinary block. It relieves pain, disinhibits the water
passageways and [hence] urination, and eliminates damp impediment.
Protracted taking may make the body light and slow aging. Its other name
is Dang Dao (Obstacle on the Road). It grows in plains and swamps.

104 Artemisia is good at moving water and dissipating stasis, incorporating
supplementation with dissipation, and is, therefore, able to treat impotence, pain
in the lumbus, knee, and other joints, postpartum blood and qi pain, and fracture
and sprain.

105 Coix is a medicinal for center earth, but it also enters the lungs and liver. In
short, it fortifies the spleen and boosts the stomach. When earth is made strong,
metal will also become strong. Therefore, Coix is able to treat lung wilting and
lung abscess. So long as earth is strong, water will not be aggressive. For that
reason, Coix can treat water swelling and diarrhea. Diseases involving the sinews
and bones are rooted in the yang ming. It follows that when there is sinew
hypertonicity, impediment, and wilting, Coix may also be used. However, it
should not be used for cold impediment because it is cold of qi. In addition, Coix
treats wasting thirst, indigestion, heart and abdominal fullness, chest and rib-side
pain, throat abscess, and toothache.

106 It should be noted that cold impediment is excluded from Coix's indications
because* of its cold nature. I lowever, in case of enduring cold impediment which
has transformed into fire, ( oix once again becomes an appropriate medicinal.

?»

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica C lassic

Herbs: Superior Class

Xi Ming Zi (Semen Thlaspi Arvensis ) 107 is acrid and slightly warm. It is
nontoxic, mainly brightening the eyes, [treating] eye pain and tearing,
eliminating impediment, supplementing the five viscera, and boosting the
essence light. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent
senility. Its other name is Bi Xin (Grate Firewood). Yet another name is Da
Ji (Great Tribulus). It is also called Ma Xin (Horse Acrid). It grows in
mountains and swamps.

Chong Wei Zi (Semen Leonuri Heterophylli ) 108 is acrid and slightly warm.
It mainly brightens the eyes, boosts the essence, and eliminates water qi.
Protracted taking may make the body light. The stalk [i.e., Herba Leonuri
Heterrophylli] mainly treats addictive itching papules . 109 It can [be used]
to make bathwater [for newborns]. Its other name is Yi Mu (Mother
Booster). Yet another name is Yi Ming (Brightness Booster). It is also called
Da Zha (Great Armor Plate). It grows in pools and swamps.

107 The identity of this medicinal is difficult to determine because many herbs have
the same name. Therefore, its effects depicted here are questionable. In any case,
this medicinal is seldom if ever used in modem times.

108 The current name of this medicinal is Yi Mu Cao (Mother Boosting Herb).
Leonurus quickens the blood, supplements yin, and boosts the qi. It is an
important medicinal for treating women's diseases. Because it is able to
supplement yin, it brightens the eyes and boosts the essence. Because it is able to
quicken the blood, it regulates menstruation and treats postpartum troubles
involving the blood. In addition, it treats mammary abscesses, sores, and nodes.

109 This refers to nettle rash and other allergic skin rashes. Wiseman translates yin
zhen as dormant papules. This Chinese term implies two characteristics of the
papules. One is severe itching so that the patient is addicted to scratching them
constantly. The other is its recurrence. While Wiseman's term dormant papules is
derived from the fact that these types of rashes recur after periods of latency or
dormancy, I prefer to stress the concept of addictive itching.

30

Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae ) 110 is acrid and warm. It mainly
treats evil qi, wards off toxic epidemics and warmth ghosts, and
strengthens the will. It mainly treats rolling sweats . 111 Protracted taking
may prevent oppressive ghost dreams in sleep either during the day or
night. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Long Dan (Radix Gentianae Scabrae ) 112 is bitter and astringent. It mainly
treats cold and heat in the bones, fright epilepsy, and evil qi. It mends
expiry and damage, settles the five viscera, and kills gu toxins. Protracted
taking may sharpen the wits, improve the memory, make the body light.

110 Auklandia is fragrant and, as such, it is a wonderful medicinal for nearly all
kinds of qi troubles. Ni Zhu-mo of the Ming dynasty said in his Ben Cao Hui Yan
(Collection of the Commentaries on the Materia Medica):

Auklandia harmonizes the stomach qi, frees the heart qi, downbears the
lung qi, dredges the liver qi, quickens the spleen qi, warms the kidney qi,
disperses accumulated qi, warms cold qi, normalizes counterflow qi,
reaches exterior qi, and frees interior qi. In sum, it governs the various qi
throughout the body, above and below, internally and externally. However,
it is fragrant in flavor, dry in qi, and drastic in nature. [Therefore,] in case
of lung vacuity with heat, desiccated blood with an agitated pulse, yin
vacuity with upflaming fire, heart and stomach pain due to fire, vacuity
and collapse of the original qi, and the various diseases with hidden heat,
one should be careful not to use it.

Clinically, Auklandia is often used to treat the various kinds of heart pain,
concretions and conglomerations, swelling and distention, choleraic disease,
retching and vomiting, diarrhea, cold qi strings and aggregations, and dysentery.

111 This refers to massive sweating due to being caught in the rain or affection by
dew while staying out early in the morning or at night. There is, however, another
interpretation according to which it means strangury or dribbling urination.

112 Gentiana is bitter in flavor and cold of qi. The word astringent may be a
typographical error. It is an important medicinal to drain fire from the liver and
gallbladder. As such, it is able to brighten the eyes and cure jaundice caused by
damp heat. Clinically, it is often used to treat fever, bone heat, abscesses and
swellings, sores, scabs, roundworms, and, in children, fright epilepsy. It is also
used for visiting hostility. This means a disease of sudden onset started by no
identifiable cause and which is characterized by loss of consciousness, intense
fever, and/or delimits speech.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

and slow aging. Its other name is Ling You (Mound Ambling). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae Chinensis ) 113 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
mends expiry and damage, supplements insufficiency, boosts the qi and
[physical] strength, and makes one fat and strong. Protracted taking may
brighten the eyes, make the body light, and prolong life. Its other name is
TuLu (Rabbit Reed). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis ) 114 is acrid and slightly warm. It
mainly treats great wind evil qi 115 and impotence, fortifies the sinews and
bones, quiets the five viscera, supplements the center, improves the will,
and boosts the qi. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Mo (Herba Solani Lyrati ) 116 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats cold
and heat, the eight categories of jaundice , 117 and wasting thirst. It
supplements the center and boosts the qi. Protracted taking may make the
body light and prolong life. Its other name is Gu Cai (Grain Vegetable).

113 Cuscuta is also used to treat vacuity cold and cold pain in the lumbus and
knees, replenish the essence, and boost the marrow.

114 Morinda is able to warm the liver and treat taxation damage, seminal emission,
intercourse with ghosts in dreams, head wind, swollen feet, and impotence.

115 Wind is the fiercest and most dangerous pathogen of all, and Morinda is able
to conquer the worst wind.

116 There is no consensus concerning the identity of this medicinal. Another
possibility is that it is Herba Vincetoxici Atrati.

117 Throughout the history of Chinese medicine, jaundice has been classified in
different, confusing ways. Generally, it is divided into five types. The nine
categories may be yellow, black, food, wine, sexual, acute, and fetal jaundice as
well as yellow sweating.

.12

Herbs: Superior Class

Bai Hao (Folium Artemisiae Argyi ) 118 is sweet and balanced. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five viscera and wind cold damp impediment. It
supplements the center, boosts the qi, promotes the growth of hair, is able
to turn the hair black, and cures heart suspension which is [a syndrome
including] reduced eating and constant hungering. Protracted taking may
make the body light, sharpen the eyes and ears, and prevent senility. It
grows in rivers and swamps.

Di Fu Zi (Fructus Kochiae Scopariae ) 119 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
bladder heat, disinhibits urination, supplements the center, and boosts the
essence qi. Protracted taking may sharpen the ears and eyes, make the
body light, and slow aging. Its other name is Di Kui (Earth Big Flower). It
grows in plains and swamps.

Shi Long Chu (Herba Junci Baltici) is bitter and slightly cold. It mainly
treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, inhibited urination, dribbling
block, wind dampness, demonic influx, and [worm] malign toxins.
Protracted taking may supplement vacuity with languor, make the body
light, sharpen the ears and eyes, and prolong life. Its other name is Long Xu
(Dragon's Beard). Yet another name is Cao Xu Duan (Herbaceous
Dipsacus). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Luo Shi (Folium Trachelospermi Jasminoidis) is bitter and warm. It
mainly treats wind heat, dead muscles, welling abscesses, wounds, dry
mouth, parched tongue, refractory welling abscesses and swellings,
swollen throat and tongue, and inability to take in [even] water. Protracted
taking may make the body light, brighten the eyes, render the facial

118 Artemisia Argyum is good for various women's diseases. It rectifies the qi and
blood, removes cold dampness, regulates the menses, quiets the fetus, stops
various kinds of bleeding, relieves abdominal pain and dysentery, and kills
worms.

119 This short passage summarizes all the actions of Kochia. In detail, it treats
frequent urination, pain in urination, and dribbling urinary block as a result of
frenetically stirring heat in the bladder. Because Kochia supplements the center
and boosts the essence, it is able to cure impotence, troubles of the testicles, and
lumbar pain. Externally, it can be used in the form of a washing solution. In that
case, it treats various sorts of skin disease, including sores.

33

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _.

complexion good and shiny, prevent senility, and prolong life. Its other
name is Shi Ling (Rock Bony Fish). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis) 120 is bitter. It is nontoxic,
treating mainly heat qi, eye pain, injured canthi, and tearing. It brightens
the eyes and [also treats] intestinal afflux, abdominal pain, dysentery, and,
in females, genital swelling and pain. Protracted taking may improve the
memory. Its other name is Wang Lian (King Lily). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vacarriae Segetalis) 121 is bitter and balanced.
It mainly treats incised wounds, stops bleeding, relieves pain, removes
thorns, and eliminates wind impediment and internal cold. Protracted
taking may make the body light, slow aging, and increase longevity. It
grows in mountains and valleys.

120 Coptis is very widely used in clinical practice. It enters the stomach, is able to
dry dampness, and it eliminates heat. Therefore, it is used to drain heart fire, settle
liver wind, and cool the blood. Because it is able to drain heart fire, it eliminates
glomus and fullness in the chest and heart vexation due to heart fire. Because heart
fire is also the cause of night sweats and some categories of sores, these also fall
within the indications of Coptis. Chen Nian-zu (1753-1823 CE) said:

When The Classic says it mainly treats heat qi, [it means that] it eliminates
all heat in the qi division. Intestinal afflux, abdominal pain, and dysentery
are all diseases [possibly] ascribed to damp heat in the center. Genital pain
and swelling is an illness caused by damp heat below. Coptis eliminates
damp heat. So these are all its indications.

121 This medicinal is able to move the blood and treat wind toxins. Therefore, it is
an important medicinal for the purpose of freeing the flow of the menses,
promoting lactation, and hastening delivery.

Herbs: Superior Class

Lan Shi (Semen Indigonis) 122 is bitter and cold. It mainly resolves various
toxins and kills worms and infant ghost, 123 demonic influx, and insect bite
toxins. Protracted taking may prevent the head hair from turning white
and make the body light. It grows in plains and swamps.

Jing Tian (Herba Sedi Eiythrosticti) is bitter, sour, and balanced. It mainly
treats great fever, bums, generalized fever and vexation, and evil and
malign qi. Its flower [i.e., Flos Sedi Erythrosticti] mainly treats leaking and
red and white [vaginal discharge] in females. It makes the body light and
brightens the eyes. Its other name is Jie Huo (Fire Ban). Yet another name
is Shen Huo (Fire Caution). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Tian Ming Jing (Herba Carpesii Abrotanoidis) 124 is sweet and cold. It
mainly treats blood stasis and blood conglomeration bordering on death
as well as blood precipitation. It stops bleeding, disinhibits urination,
removes small worms, eliminates impediment, relieves bound heat in the
chest, and quenches vexatious thirst. Protracted taking may make the body
light and slow aging. Its other name is Mai Ju Jiang (Wheat Ginger). Yet
another name is Xia Mo Lan (Frog Orchid). It is also called Shi Shou (Pig
Head). It grows in rivers and swamps.

122 This passage is very terse, yet pregnant with meaning. The short phrase,
"resolving various toxins", for example, implies that, besides insect bites, etc. given
in the text, this medicinal may treat clove toxins, wind papules, heat mania,
swelling toxins, wandering wind heat toxins, heat gan, etc. Heat gan is a syndrome
of vexatious heat in the five hearts, ulceration and reddening below the nose, sores
on the head with dampness and itching, thirst and desire for water, yellow urine,
and alternating cold and heat.

123 This implies such fulminant diseases in children as high fever, fright wind, heat
gan which manifests as low fever, dyspepsia, emaciation, enlarged abdomen, and
diarrhea, and sudden disease with unidentified causes.

124 Clinically, this medicinal is used to treat bleeding, phlegm malaria, toothache,
acute and enduring fright wind, throat impediment, nipple moth (i.e., tonsillitis),
blood and sand strangury, and insect bite. In addition, it is a remedy for clenched
jaw and faintness.

34

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae) 125 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats cold
and heat related to the heart, abdomen, and urinary bladder. It disinhibits
urination, stops bleeding, and disperses blood stasis. Protracted taking
may make the body light, boost the qi and [physical] force, and prolong life
so as to make one an immortal. It grows in pools and swamps.

Xiang Pu (Herba Typhae Japonicae) is sweet and balanced. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five viscera and below the heart as well as putrefying
mouth with foul smell. It fortifies the teeth, brightens the eyes, and
sharpens the hearing. Protracted taking may make the body light and slow
aging. Its other name is Ju (Osprey). It grows in pools and swamps.

Lan Cao (Radix Eupatorii Chinensis) 126 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
disinhibits the water passageways, kills gu toxins, and keeps off ill
matters. 127 Protracted taking may boost the qi, make the body light, slow
aging, and enable one to communicate with the spirit light. Its other name
is Shui Xiang (Water Fragrance). It grows in pools and swamps.

JueMingZi (Semen Cassiae Torae) is salty and balanced. It mainly treats
clear-eye blindness, spreading screen and red and white membrane in the
eye, sore, red eyes, and tearing. Protracted taking may boost the essence
light and make the body light. It grows in rivers and swamps.

125 Pollen Typhae is a medicinal for the blood division of the hand and foot jue yin.
Used uncooked, it is slippery in nature and, therefore, able to move the blood,
disperse stasis, disinhibit urination, and eliminate cold and heat from the heart,
abdomen, and bladder as well as postpartum vacuity vexation. Besides, it is often
used to treat falls and knocks, sores, nodes, swelling, scrotal damp itch, distended
tongue, tongue sores, and prolapse of the rectum. It can also be used charred. Then
it becomes sluggish and, hence, is a wonderful medicinal to stop bleeding. This
includes ejection of blood, hemafecia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and bleeding
wounds.

126 The identity of this medicinal is controversial. Eupatorium Japonicum,
Cymlidum Virens, Cymlidum Pumilum, etc. are all among the possibilities.

127 It was believed that hanging this herb around one's dwelling on certain
festivals might keep away unhappy events or mishaps.

Yun Shi (Semen Caesalpiniae Sepiariae) is acrid and a little warm. It
mainly treats diarrhea and dysentery and intestinal afflux, kills worms and
gu toxins, removes evil malign bound qi, relieves pain, and eliminates cold
and heat. Its flower [ i.e ., Flos Caesalpiniae Sepiariae] mainly treats seeing
ghosts and spiritual matters. Taking much of it may make one run
frenetically. Protracted taking may make the body light and enable one to
communicate with the spirit light. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) 128 is sweet and slightly warm.
It mainly treats welling and flat abscesses and enduring festering sores [by]
expelling pus and relieving pain, great wind lai disease, the five [kinds of]
hemorrhoids, 129 and mouse fistulas. It supplements vacuity and [is good
for] hundreds of diseases in children. Its other name is Dai Sang (Mulberry
Cap). It grows in mountains and valleys.

She ChuangZi (Fructus Cnidii Monnieri) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats genital swelling and pain in females, and impotence and [genital]
damp itch in males. It eliminates impediment qi, disinhibits the joints, and
[treats] madness, epilepsy, and malign sores. Protracted taking may make
the body light. Its other name is She Su (Snake Millet). Yet another name
is She Mi (Snake Rice). It grows in rivers and valleys.

128 Concerning the actions of Astragalus, Wang Hao-gu, a.k.a. Wang Hai-carig, an
outstanding pupil of Li Gao and prolific medical writer, gave an instructive
analysis when he said:

Astragalus replenishes the defensive and, therefore, is a medicinal for the
exterior. It boosts the spleen and stomach and, therefore, is a medicinal for
the center. Since it is able to treat cold damage with the cubit pulse not
arriving, it supplements the kidney origin and, hence, is a medicinal for the
internal.

129 The five kinds of hemorrhoids include female, male, vessel, intestinal, and
blood. Female hemorrhoids are characterized by swelling and pustulation around
the anus. Male hemorrhoids refers to a mouse fistula growing outside the anus
which constantly gives off pus. Vessel hemorrhoids refer to splitting of the anus.
While intestinal hemorrhoids are distinguished by swollen tubercles around the
anus complicated by cold and heat and bleeding. Blood hemorrhoids are
hemorrhoids with bleeding .is the main sign.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Superior Class

Lou Lu (Radix Rhapontici Seu Echinopsis) is bitter, salty, and cold. It
mainly treats skin heat, malign sores, flat abscesses, hemorrhoids, and
damp impediment. It promotes lactation. Protracted taking may make the
body light, boost the qi, sharpen the ears and eyes, prevent senility, and
prolong life. Its other name is Ye Lan (Wild Orchid). It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Qian Gen (Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) 130 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
cold damp wind impediment and jaundice and supplements the center. It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Xuan Hua (Flos Calystegiae Sepii) 131 is sweet and warm. It mainly boosts
the qi and removes black patches from the face, thus rendering the facial
complexion attractive. Its root [i.e., Radix Calystegiae Sepii] mainly treats
cold and heat and evil qi in the abdomen, and disinhibits urination.
Protracted taking may make one free from hunger and the body light. Its
other name is Jin Gen Hua (Sinewy Root Flower). Yet another name is Jin
Fei (Boiling Gold). It grows in plains and swamps.

Bai Tu Huo (Herba Cynanchi Caudati) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats bites by snakes and insects like bees, rabid dog bite, vegetable and
meat toxins, gu toxins, and demonic influx. Its other name is Bai Ge (White
Kudzu Vine). It grows in mountains and valleys.

130 This medicinal is inclined to enter the constructive penetrating the blood.
Therefore, it is able to move the blood to free the flow of the menses and disperse
stasis. In addition, it is used to treat flooding and leaking, hematuria, knocks and
falls, hemorrhoids and fistulas, sores, and nodes. Since impediment is due to the
blood vessels being congested by wind, cold, and dampness and this medicinal is
able to move the blood, impediment is one of its indications. Jaundice is produced
from damp heat. It is, however, often complicated by blood amassment. Therefore,
Rubia is also sometimes prescribed for jaundice.

131 Although its name sounds like that of Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae), these are two
different medicinals.

Qing Xiang (Herba Sesami Indici) 132 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats
evil qi in the five viscera and wind cold damp impediment. It boosts the
qi, supplements the brain marrow, and fortifies the sinews and bones.
Protracted taking may sharpen the ears and eyes, make one free from
hunger, prevent senility, and increase longevity. It is the sprout of Ju Sheng
(Sesame). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 133 is sweet and warm. It is nontoxic,
treating mainly cough and counterflow qi ascent, warm malaria with fever
persisting within the skin, leaking causing infertility in females, various
malign sores, and incised wounds. It can be [constantly] taken after being
cooked. Its other name is Gan Gui (Dry Return). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

132 According to Tao Hong-jing, this medicinal is the leaves of sesame.

133 Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) can be translated literally as "Expected to
Be Back Home". It was said that if one missed one's relatives, one could send a dry
piece of Dang Gui to the person, who, on receiving it, would come back. Dang Gui
is a very important medicinal for blood troubles. It supplements the heart and
harmonizes and moves the blood to disperse wind cold. It is all but indipensable
for any women's disease. Ye Gui, a.k.a.. Ye Tian-shi (1667-1746 CE), annotated this
passage by saying:

Once the blood becomes desiccated, liver wood will bring up heart fire to
torment lung metal, thus giving rise to cough and counterflow qi ascent.
Because Dang Gui enters the liver to nourish the blood and enters the heart
to clear fire, it treats [cough and counterflow qi ascent]. Wind is attributed
to the liver, while fire to the heart. Wind and fire are yang. Mere heat
without cold is warm malaria which is due to wind and fire overwhelming
the lungs. The lungs govern the skin and hair. Continual cold and heat in
the skin reflects the lungs being subjected to wind and fire evils so they are
not able to secure the skin and hair. Dang Gui enters the heart and liver.
Once liver blood is made abundant, wind will be settled. Once heart blood
is made abundant, fire will be extinguished and cold and heat in the skin
and hair will be cured on its own. Leaking infertility is a result of blood
desiccation. Since Dang Gui supplements the blood, this falls within its
indications. All malign sores are ascribed to heart fire. When heart blood
is made abundant, heart fire will be extinguished. As for incised wounds
and loss of blood, since [Dang Gui] clears the heart and nourishes the
blood, they are .ill its indications.

Herbs: Middle Class

Chi Jian (Herba Gastrodiae Elatae) 134 is acrid and warm. It mainly kills
demonic and spiritual matters, gu toxins, and malign qi. 135 Protracted
taking may boost the qi and [physical] force, help yin to grow, make one
fat and strong and the body light, and lengthen life. Its other name is Li Mu
(Parting Mother). Yet another name is Gui Du You (Ghost Post Governor).
It grows in rivers and valleys.

134 This medicinal is the herbal parts of Gastrodia, but nowadays we use the root
( i.e Rhizoma Gastrodiae Elatae) which mainly treats various kinds of wind
troubles and is very effective for head spinning with flowery (i.e., blurred) vision.

ns Malign qi means epidemic pestilential qi.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici ) 136 is sweet and balanced.
It mainly treats bound qi in the heart and abdomen, damaged center,
overeating damage, [damaged] stomach, vessel network [or pulse] expiry,
languor and emaciation, and shortness of breath. Protracted taking may
make the body light, prevent senility, and make one free from hunger. It
grows in rivers and valleys.

Juan Bai (Herba Selaginellae Involvensis) is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five viscera and, in females, genital cold and heat and
pain, concretions and conglomerations, blood block, and infertility.
Protracted taking may make the body light and the facial complexion
harmonious. Its other name is Wan Sui (Ten Thousand Years). It grows
in mountains and valleys.

136 Ophiopogon is sweet and a little bitter in flavor and slightly cold of qi. As such,
it is able to drain lung fire. Once lung fire is eliminated, the source of water will
become clear and the heart will quiet down. Therefore, Ophiopogon is able to clear
the heart, moisten the lungs to fortify yin, move water, and generate fluids. It
follows that it is an important medicinal for resolving vexatious heat, dispersing
phlegm, and suppressing cough due to yin vacuity. In addition, it treats wasting
thirst, water swelling, lung wilting ejection of blood, and, in females, desiccated
menses and breast milk stoppage. When stomach fire surges upward, it may give
rise to vomiting. This kind of vomiting is also one of the indications of
Ophiopogon.

In terms of the contraindications of this medicinal, Zou Shu (1790-1844 CE) said:

It cannot be used for lower burner repletion patterns unless there is
vexatious heat in the palms and dryness of the lips and mouth. It cannot be
used when the throat is uninhibited if qi ascent is caused by wind or
phlegm rattier than fire. [And] it cannot be used if vacuity emaciation with
diminished qi is not complicated by qi counterflow and a desire to vomit
but by diarrhea.

137 Ten Thousand Years is a term used to express a wish of a long life or an epithet
meaning eternal or evergreen. ]uan Bai has a tough life. It can survive even if it has
been uprooted and dried for many days. This is why it has acquired this name.

Rou Song Rang (Herba Cistanchis Deserticolae ) 138 is salty. It mainly treats
the five taxations and seven damages, supplements the center, eliminates
cold and heat and pain in the penis, nourishes the five viscera, strengthens
yin, and boosts the essence qi. In females, it makes pregnancy possible and
[treats] concretions and conglomerations. Protracted taking may make the
body light. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Ji Li Zi (Semen Astragali Complanati ) 139 is bitter and warm. It mainly
treats malign blood, breaks concretions and bindings, accumulations and
gatherings, and [treats] throat impediment and difficult lactation.
Protracted taking may promote the growth of the muscles and flesh,
brighten the eyes, and make the body light. Its other name is Pang Tong
(Free By-way). Yet another name is Qu Ren (Hamper to People). It is also
called Zhi Xing (Stopping Walk), Chai Yu (Jackal Feather), and Sheng Tui
(Upbearing Pushing). 140 It grows in plains and swamps.

138 Nowadays, this medicinal is called JRow Cong Rong. It supplements life gate
ministerial fire, moistens the five viscera, and boosts the essence and blood.
Therefore, it treats taxation damage, cold pain in the lumbus and knees, flooding,
vaginal discharge, and seminal emission. It is particularly good for infertility due
to insufficiency and expiry of pure yang.

139 Tribulus supplements the kidneys, drains the lungs, and dissipates liver wind.
Therefore, it is able to treat vacuity taxation, lumbago, seminal emission, vaginal
discharge, cough and counterflow, lung wilting, breast milk stoppage, and
concretions and conglomerations. It boosts the essence and hence is able to
brighten the eyes.

140 This is so named because one of its main actions is to move and disperse blood
so as to be able to hasten delivery.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae) 141 is sweet and warm. It is
nontoxic, treating mainly great wind head dizziness and headache, malign
wind, 142 wind evil, blindness, wind moving around the whole body
[causing] pain and impediment in the joints, and vexatious fullness.
Protracted taking may make the body light. Its other name is Tong Yun
(Bronze Rue). It grows in rivers and swamps.

Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae Littoralis ) 143 is bitter and slightly cold. It is
nontoxic, mainly treating blood accumulation and fright qi. It eliminates
cold and heat, supplements the center, and boosts the lung qi. Protracted

141 Zhang Zhi-cong, Ye Gui, and Xu Da-chun (1693-1771 CE) all attributed the
indications of Ledebouriella listed in the text to its action of dispelling wind. Even
blindness and vexatious fullness can be impugned to wind. As it is known, the
liver opens into the eyes. When there is stirring of liver wind, the eyes will be
impaired. Ledebouriella can track down such liver wind and, therefore, may cure
blindness. In addition, though not mentioned in the text, it is a remedy for wind
stroke with loss of the ability to speak because this disease is also due to wind. It
should be noted that Ledebouriella can either promote or stop sweating depending
upon what other medicinals it is combined with. Further, wind medicinals are
usually simultaneously damp-dispelling medicinals. Conditions such as pain in the
joints are typically due to wind combined with dampness. For that reason, this
medicinal is also good for this type of problem.

142 Malign wind implies a wind which is capable of causing a serious disease.

143 Ginseng and Glehnia are both able to supplement the qi or, more specifically,
the lung qi. Glehnia, however, is also able to supplement yin. Xu Da-chun said:

The lungs govern the qi. Therefore, medicinals for the lungs are mostly
medicinals of overwhelming qi. However, medicinals of overwhelming qi
are necessarily inclined to dry and those able to enrich the lungs are
[mostly] sluggish and are unable to clear vacuity. Of these, only Glehnia is
a medicinal which rectifies the blood in the lung qi division. It is white in
color and light in weight. It dredges and is not drying; it is moistening but
does not cause stagnation. When blood is held up in the lungs, nothing but
this medicinal can clear it.

In a word, the action of this medicinal is mainly to boost the lung qi while
simultaneously supplementing the spleen and kidneys.

taking brings benefit to people. 144 Its other name is Zhi Mu (Gratitude to
Mother). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Xiong Qiong (Radix Ligustici Wallichii ) 145 is acrid and warm. It is
nontoxic, mainly treating wind stroke [with] wind entering the brain
[causing] headache, cold impediment, hypertonicity of the sinews which
are [sometimes] slack and [sometimes] tense, incised wounds, and, in
females, blood block and infertility. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Mi Wu (Herba Ligustici Wallichii) is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
cough and counterflow, settles fright qi, keeps off evils and malignancy,
eliminates gu toxins and demonic influx, and removes the three [kinds of]
worms. Protracted taking may enable one to communicate with spirits. Its
other name is Wei Wu (Fine Weed). It grows in rivers and swamps.

144 The Chinese word li is translated by Wiseman as "to disinhibit" when used in
a Chinese medical sense, but nonmedically means to benefit.

145 This medicinal is currently called Chuan Xiong . According to Zhu Zhen-heng,
a.k.a., Zhu Dan-xi (1281-1358 CE), it is an able envoy leading to both yin and yang
and both the blood and qi. It tends to ascend to open qi and blood depression. It
is specifically effective for abdominal pain and headache. It can be used for
headache related to all six channels requiring only that it be combined with other
appropriate channel ushers. For example, to treat tai yang headache with aversion
to wind and cold and a floating pulse, it should be prescribed with Qiang Huo
(Radix Et Rhizoma Notopterygii) and Man Jing Zi (Fructus Viticis). For yang ming
headache with pain along the route of the yang ming channel or spontaneous
sweating, fever, no aversion to cold, and a floating, moderate, and long pulse, it
should be combined with Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae). If it is used in
combination with Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), it treats shao yang headache with pain
in the head along the route of the shao yang channel or headache characterized by
alternating cold and heat and a bowstring pulse.

In addition, Ligusticum Wallichium is able to track wind, disperse stasis, and open
depression. Therefore, it is often used in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It
moistens liver dryness and supplements liver vacuity. This action makes it a good
medicinal for all wind with shaking and dizzy vision, tearing, rib-side pain, and
sinew hypertonicity. Moreover, because it harmonizes the blood and moves the qi,
having access to both yin and yang, it is able to treat welling and flat abscesses and
sores.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Xu Duan (Radix Dypsaci) 146 is bitter and slightly warm. It mainly treats
cold damage, supplements insufficiency, [treats] incised wounds and
welling abscesses, joins broken sinews and bones, and [resolves] difficult
lactation in females. Protracted taking may boost the qi and [physical]
force. Its other name is Long Dou (Dragon Bean). Another name is Shu She
(Linking the Severed). It grows in mountains and valleys.

146 In fact, there are three varieties of the plant—Lamium Album, Sonchus
Asperis, and Dispsacus Japonicus. This medicinal mainly treats the tootjue yin and
hand shao yin, and its actions include quickening, generating, and supplementing
the blood. Ye Gui annotated this passage saying:

It mainly treats damaged center and supplements insufficiency, which
means the supplementing of insufficiency of the liver channel. Incised
wounds, welling abscesses, and [other] wounds are all troubles due to
damaged blood. It is warm of qi and, therefore, boosts the blood. It is bitter
in flavor and, therefore, enters the heart. On that account, [the above
conditions] are indicated. In falls, the sinews may be severed and the bones
broken. Because it quickens the blood and nourishes the channels, it may
set fracture. When women's blood is insufficient, they will suffer from
difficult lactation. Since its warm qi can move the blood, it naturally makes
the breast milk abundant. The liver is the root of fatigue and exhaustion
because it is the viscus which generates the qi and blood. The slightly warm
qi [of this medicinal] accesses the shao yang qi. Therefore, it boosts the qi
and [physical] force.

In modern clinical practice, this medicinal is also used to treat lumbago, blood
dysentery, seminal emission, vaginal discharge, and fetal leakage or vaginal
bleeding in pregnancy.

Herbs: Middle Class

Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Capillaris) 147 is bitter. It is nontoxic,
treating mainly wind, damp, cold, and hot evil qi as well as bound heat
jaundice. Protracted taking may make the body light, boost the qi, and
slow aging. It grows on the hills and sides of Mount Tai.

Wu Wei (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) 148 is sour and warm. It mainly
boosts the qi, [treating] cough and counterflow qi ascent, taxation damage,
and languor and emaciation. It supplements insufficiency, fortifies yin, and
boosts male's essence. It grows in mountains and valleys.

147 Artemisa Capillaris is able to eliminate wind dampness and bound heat and
disinhibit urination. It mainly treats heaven-current seasonal epidemics, headache,
head spinning, eye pain, malaria, and concretions and conglomerations. It is
specifically effective against jaundice. Generally speaking, jaundice is divided into
two patterns, yin and yang. Yin jaundice refers to dull yellowing of the skin and
eyes. It progresses slowly, and its symptoms and signs include the presence or
absence of low fever, aversion to cold, no desire for food, fatigue and listlessness,
sloppy stools, light yellow urine, a bland tongue body with white, glossy fur, and
a bowstring and moderate or deep and slow pulse. Yang jaundice refers to bright
yellowing of the body accompanied by fever, a bitter taste in the mouth, vexatious
thirst, no desire for food, nausea, bound dry stools, yellow or reddish urine, and
distention and fullness of the stomach duct. To treat yin jaundice, one should
prescribe Artemisia Capillaris together with Ginger and Aconite, while yang
jaundice requires Artemisia Capillaris in combination with Rhubarb and Gardenia.

148 According to Wang Hao-gu's analysis, Schisandra constrains the lung qi and
enriches kidney water. Therefore, it boosts the qi and generates fluids, fortifies yin
and astringes the essence. It is often prescribed to stop vomiting and diarrhea,
stabilize panting and coughing, and resolve wine toxins. Concerning the
expression of fortifying yin, most scholars regard the term yin here as a
generalized concept. 1 lowever, Zou Shu had a different view. He said,""Chen Xiu-
yuan (1753-1823 (T) alone is right when he explains it as treatment of impotence."

47

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Qitt Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) 149 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats cold and heat, evil qi, and cold, damp, wind impediment
with pain in the limb joints. It precipitates water and disinhibits urination.
It grows in mountains and valleys.

Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) 150 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats various [kinds of] heat, jaundice, intestinal afflux, diarrhea,
and dysentery. It expels water, precipitates [i.e., frees] blood block, and
[treats] malign sores, flat abscesses, erosion [of flesh], and bums. Its other
name is Fu Chang (Putrid Intestine). It grows in rivers and valleys.

149 Gentiana Macrophylla disinhibits dampness, dissipates wind, removes heat
from the stomach and intestines, and boosts the qi of the liver and gallbladder.
When the yang ming suffers from heat, tidal fever and steaming bones arise. This
is when Gentiana Macrophylla should be used. Because it nourishes the blood and
nurtures the sinews, it treats hypertonicity and generalized pain. Since it is able to
dissipate wind and eliminate cold, it is a remedy for wind cold damp impediment
and toothache. Moreover, because it eliminates heat and disinhibits dampness, it
is effective for jaundice.

150 Scutellaria clears heart fire, drains lung fire, and treats upper burner heat, skin
heat, and all other kinds of heat in both the interior and exterior. This is why the
text says it mainly treats various (or all types of) heat jaundice, intestinal afflux and
diarrhea. It also disinhibits the qi in the chest and disperses the phlegm above the
diaphragm. When there is lung heat cough with copious phlegm and foul smell
in the throat, it is the right medicinal to choose. Glomus fullness below the heart
is due to heat. Therefore, Scutellaria is also prescribed for it. Besides, it is an
important medicinal for women's diseases. Postpartum, it may nourish yin and
abate yang, while during gestation, it may quiet the fetus. Loss of blood due to
heat or postmenopausal recommencement of menstruation caused by blood heat
also require Scutellaria. Finally, it may also be used as a remedy for dry bound
stools, sore toxins, and other miscellaneous illnesses due to heat.

48

Herbs: Middle Class

Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) 151 is bitter. It mainly treats evil qi
and abdominal pain, eliminates blood impediment, breaks hard gatherings
and cold and heat mounting conglomeration, relieves pain, disinhibits
urination, and boosts the qi. It grows in rivers and valleys.

151 Peony is able to greatly drain liver fire. When wood is regulated, earth becomes
quiet. Peony harmonizes the blood vessels, relaxes the center, relieves pain,
contains the yin qi, constrains sweat, supplements taxation vacuity, and abates
heat. Therefore, it treats spleen vacuity abdominal heat pain, heart glomus, rib-side
pain, conglomeration, nosebleed, dry eyes, and all blood troubles.

Peony may produce other actions in addition to the above when it is used in
combination with other appropriate medicinals. Together with Ginseng and
Astragalus, it supplements the qi. When combined with Dang Gui and Rehmannia,
it supplements the blood. Combining it with either Ligusticum Wallichium or
Atractylodes enables it to supplement the spleen, while along with Licorice, it
harmonizes yin to relieve abdominal pain. To relieve pain in the bone marrow, it
is prescribed together with Tiger Bone, and, with the help of Rhinoceros Horn, it
stops the hacking of blood and staunches nosebleed. If it is used together with
Coptis, it cures dysentery and diarrhea.

There are two species of Peony, red and white. Red Peony (i.e., Radix Rubrus
Paeoniae Lactiflorae) more strongly drains liver fire, disperses malign blood,
breaks hard accumulations, and relieves abdominal pain. White Peony (i.e.. Radix
Albtis Paeoniae Lactiflorae) more strongly constrains and supplements.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Gingiberis) 152 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
chest fullness, cough and counterflow qi ascent. It warms the center, stops
bleeding, promotes perspiration, expels wind damp impediment, and
[treats] intestinal afflux and dysentery. The uncooked is especially good.
Protracted taking may remove foul smell and enable one to communicate
with the spirit light. It grows in rivers and valleys.

152 Apparently, the author is including both Gan Jiang (dry Ginger) and Sheng Jiang
(uncooked Ginger) under this entry. Ginger's main actons are to warm the center
and eliminate dampness. Secondarily, it may effuse and dissipate wind cold, stop
vomiting, and disperse phlegm. In addition, it resolves worm and insect bite toxins
and the toxicity of some medicinals.

When wind cold evils invade the chest, these may give rise to chest fullness. If
these settle in the stomach and intestines, there may be glomus fullness, vomiting,
pain in the abdomen, intestinal afflux, diarrhea, and dysentery. Wind cold in the
blood is the cause of vomiting of blood and nosebleed, while wind cold in the
sinews and bones is responsible for impediment. Ginger is indicated for all these
troubles. Ginger is acrid and, as such, is able to dispel cold and promote sweating.
Therefore, it also treats colds with headache and nasal congestion.

Together with Red Dates and Licorice, Ginger is able to regulate and supplement
the spleen and stomach. The combination of Ginger and Peony warms the center
and dissipates cold, a marvelous pair for pain in the middle and lower burner.
When used together with Schisandra, Ginger treats cold cough. To generate blood
and relieve pain, it is often used with Dang Gui and other medicinals. Jiang Fu
Tang (Ginger & Aconite Decoction) is a miraculous formula for cold in the middle
burner with the pulse bordering on expiry. If this formula is expanded by the
addition of Licorice, it may salvage and restore expired yang. Then it is called Si
Ni Tang (Four Counterflows Decoction).

It is said that Confucius never ate a meal without Ginger. Maybe he did this to rid
his food of any bad smell so as to increase his appetite. This may be what is meant
by die phrase "removing foul smell" in the text. However, in some versions, this
phrase is, "removes foul smell above the diaphragm in the chest."

Dry and uncooked Ginger have similar actions. Uncooked Ginger is comparatively
less warming but stronger for effusing and dissipating. Blast-fried Ginger ( Pao
Jiang) is also frequently used. It is less acrid and is able to treat lung wilt,
postpartum blood vacuity, hot body with internal cold, vomiting of blood, and
nosebleed.

Gao Ben (Radix Et Rhizoma Ligustici Chinensis ) 153 is acrid and slightly
warm. It mainly treats mounting conglomeration and genital cold in
females, swelling and pain, and abdominal urgency. It eliminates wind
headache, promotes the growth of muscles and skin, and renders the facial
complexion attractive. Its other name is Gui Qing (Ghost Minister).
Another name is Di Xin (New Earth). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae ) 154 is bitter and warm. It is nontoxic, treating
mainly wind stroke cold damage, headache, and warm malaria. It effuses
the exterior [through] sweating, eliminates evil heat qi, suppresses cough
and counterflow qi ascent, eliminates cold and heat, and breaks

153 The main action of Ligusticum Chinensis is to eliminate wind, cold, and
dampness. When combined with Ligusticum Wallichium, Cimicifuga,
Ledebouriella, and Bupleurum, Ligusticum Chinensis is an effective medicinal for
treating pain in the top of the head. If wind settles in the stomach giving rise to
diarrhea or if cold dampness settles in the abdomen causing acute pain,
Ligusticum Chinensis can also be prescribed.

154 Tao Hong-jing (452-536 CE) said, "Ephedra is the first choice in treating cold
damage and resolving the muscles." Whenever any surplus evil of the six excesses
(i.e., cold, summerheat, dampness, etc.) settles in the yang division in the skin and
hair shutting the interstices and bringing the constructive and defensive to a stop
—an exterior repletion pattern—Ephedra never fails to open and free the interstices
to drive out the evil through sweating. For instance, a single dose of Ephedra,
Cinnamon Twig, Armeniaca, and Licorice may effect the cure of a tai yang pattern
of wind cold in the exterior with pain and stiffness in the head and back of the
neck, fever, generalized joint pain, a floating, tight pulse, absence of sweating,
chest fullness, and panting. These medicinals make up the formula called Ma
Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). In the Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Ancestral
Medicine) edited by Wu Qian, there is a passage dealing with Ma Huang Tang
which says:

People say Ephedra is specifically able to effuse the exterior but cannot
treat other diseases. They do not know this decoction. After being
combined with Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), it is called Ma
Gui Ge Ban Tang (Half Ephedra & Half Cinnamon Decoction). This can be
used to treat persisting cold and heat in the tai yang pattern...

This says that Ephedra is also able to treat an interior condition through effusing
the exterior. Therefore, it may be used in treatment of wind stroke, jaundice, etc.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

concretions and hardness, accumulations and gatherings. Its other name
is Long Sha (Dragon Sand). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae ) 155 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats wasting
thirst, generalized great fever, retching and vomiting, and various [kinds
of] impediment. It lifts yin qi and resolves various [kinds of] toxins. Ge Gu
(Semen Puerariae) mainly treats more than 10 year-old dysentery. Its other
name is fi Qi Gen (Chicken-like Root). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis ) 156 is bitter and cold. It
is nontoxic, mainly treating wasting thirst and heat in the center. It
eliminates evil qi [in the treatment of] puffy swelling of the limbs,
precipitates water, supplements insufficiency, and boosts the qi. Its other
name is Chi Mu (Ant Egg Mother). Another name is Lian Mu (Linking
Mother). It is also called Ye Liao (Wild Water Weed), Di Shen (Earth
Ginseng), Shui Shen (Water Ginseng), Shui Jun (Water Dredger), Huo Mu
(Goods Matrix), and Ti Mu (Cicada Mother). It grows in rivers and valleys.

155 The actions of Pueraria are to lift fluids from the stomach to moisten the lungs
and dissipate exterior evils to resolve the muscles. It mainly treats wasting thirst,
intense fever, headache, retching and vomiting, and wine toxins. For this last
indication, the flower (Flos Puerariae) is better than the root. In addition, it is a
good medicinal for spleen vacuity thirst.

156 Anemarrhena drains fire through disinhibiting urination. Therefore, it treats
wasting thirst, vexatious fever, alternating cold and heat, etc. It is a well known
yin-boosting medicinal, but it should not be taken as a yin-supplementing one
because taking too much of it may actually damage yin.

Herbs: Middle Class

BeiMu (Bulbus Fritillariae ) 157 is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats cold
damage, vexatious fever, dribbling, evil qi, mounting conglomeration,
throat impediment, difficult lactation, incised wounds, and wind tetany.
Its other name is Kong Cao (Hollow Weed).

157 Fritillaria opens depression and resolves binding, downbears heart fire and
moistens the lungs, clears phlegm and stops cough. It treats vexatious fever,
ejection and hacking of blood, lung wilting, lung abscess, goiters, fistulas, malign
sores, strangury, difficult delivery, and retention of the placenta. However, its
main indications are the treatment of lung troubles.

Zou Shu gave an annotation to this passage which is focused on the analysis of
phlegm rheum. He said:

When phlegm drool gathers in the heart and chest, [heart] yin will be
unable to descend. In consequence, cold damage will have the signs of
vexatious fever and dribbling [urination]. If phlegm drool gathers in the
throat, the evil qi will make it difficult for yang [qi] to ascend. As a result,
the illness of throat impediment arises. Because [phlegm drool] makes it
impossible to transform and return blood to the chong [vessel], difficult
lactation arises. Mounting conglomeration is due to phlegm drool
obstructing the ren vessel in the heart and chest. Wind tetany is produced
by phlegm drool gathering in the heart and chest to deprive the governing
vessel of yin [nourishment] for irrigation. Incised wounds seem to have
nothing to do with phlegm drool. However, profuse bleeding may cause
shortage of yin which cannot be recruited. Then the qi gathers and fails to
transform and, instead, becomes depressed and bound in the heart and
chest. Thus phlegm drool is produced. The principal medicinal [for these
disorders) is Fritillaria which may quickly initiate transformation...

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii ) 158 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats wasting thirst, generalized fever, vexatious fullness, and great heat.
It supplements vacuity, quiets the center, and mends expiry and damage.
Its other name is Di Lou (Earth Building). It grows in rivers and valleys as
well as shady places in the mountains.

158 Trichosanthes clears upper burner fire, moistens the lungs, flushes phlegm, and
dismhibits the throat. As such, it is an ideal medicinal for cough and a miraculous
one for thirst. It also treats abscesses, swellings, sores, and various toxins. In the
text, it is said to be bitter, but actually it is bitter and sweet. Therefore, unlike
purely bitter medicinals, it does not damage the stomach.

Trichosanthes and Pinellia are both able to treat phlegm and cough, but they work
in different ways. Zhang Zhi-cong said:

Pinellia lifts the yin qi from outside the vessels, making it meet the yang
ming above so that it turns [the qi] into dry fire and earth. Trichosanthes
Root lifts yin fluids from inside the vessels, making it meet the tian gui [i.e.,
kidney water] so as to enrich dry metal. In the various formulas in the Shan
Han (ITreatsie on] Cold Damage) and the Jin Gui ([Essentials from] the Golden
Cabinet), Pinellia is used to assist the yang ming qi. If there is thirst due to
excessive dryness and heat, Pinellia should be replaced by Hun Fen (Radix
Trichosanthis Kirlowii) in order to enrich [water]...

r vl

Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae ) 159 is bitter and slightly cold. It is
nontoxic, treating mainly evil qi in the heart and abdomen, continual
gurgling of the intestines like water running, cold and heat, and gatherings
and accumulations. It breaks concretions and eliminates conglomerations,
relieves vexatious fullness, and boosts the qi. Its other name is Que Chan
Cao (Cicada-deterring Weed). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis ) 160 is bitter and slightly
cold. It is nontoxic, treating mainly cold and heat accumulations and
gatherings in the abdomen and, in females, postpartum illnesses and
illnesses related to breast-feeding. It supplements the kidney qi and

159 Salvia breaks blood stasis, nourishes the blood, and engenders new blood. It
is an important medicinal for women's diseases. It regulates menstruation, quiets
the fetus, precipitates the dead fetus, and treats flooding, vaginal discharge, and
concretions and conglomerations. It is also marvelous for quieting the spirit,
stabilizing the will, and freeing the flow of the blood vessels. Continual rumbling
of the intestines, as Zou Shu said, was due to:

...obstructed heart qi being unable to go up or down. Therefore, it must
descend into the intestines.

Because Salvia is able to supplement the heart qi and eliminate evil qi, rumbling
of the intestines is also one of its indications. However, if rumbling intestines,
concretions and conglomerations, etc. are not caused by evil qi in the heart and
chest, this medicinal is ineffective. In modern clinical practice. Salvia is also used
to treat weak feet, painful impediment, and malign stroke as well as to expel pus
and relieve pain.

160 Scrophularia invigorates water to abate fire and, therefore, is a good medicinal
for dissipating rootless fire. It is used to treat languor and insomnia, confused
spirit, vexatious thirst, throat impediment, sore throat, urinary and fecal stoppage,
yang toxin macular eruption, steaming bones, tidal fever, scrofulas, welling and
flat abscesses, and mouse scrofulas. Chen Nian-zu, a.k.a. Chen Xiu-yuan (1753-
1823 CE) said:

In postpartum blood desertion, yin is exhausted and fire has nothing to
restrain it. If this is treated with cold and cool [medicinals], there is fear of
damaging the center. If drastically supplementing [medicinals] are added,
there is a fear of [these medicinals] repelling each other. Luckily,
Scrophularia is able to clear and slightly supplement, so it is an important
medicinal for postpartum disorders.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

brightens the eyes. Its other name is Chong Tai (Multi-storey Platform). It
grows in rivers and valleys.

Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis ) 161 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats bound qi in the heart and abdomen, concretions and
conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings, jaundice, and dribbling
after voiding. It expels water, eliminates welling abscesses and swellings,
supplements the center, brightens the eyes, and stops tearing. Its other
name is Shui Huai (Water Scholartree). Another name is Ku Shi (Bitter
Aniseed). It grows in mountains and valleys as well as fields.

Gou Ji (Rhizoma Cibotii Barometsis ) 162 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats rigidity of the upper and lower back, slack and tense joints,
generalized impediment, and cold damp knee pain. It benefits old people
very much. Its other name is Bai Zhi (Hundred Branches). It grows in
rivers and valleys.

Bei Xie (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae ) 163 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats pain and rigidity of the upper and lower back and the joints,
wind cold damp limb joint and generalized impediment, intractable
malign sores, and heat qi. It grows in mountains and valleys.

161 Sophora Flavescens drains fire and dries dampness, supplements yin and
boosts the essence, nourishes the liver and gallbladder, disinhibits the nine orifices,
and quenches thirst. It treats dysentery, jaundice, reddish urine, malign sores, and
invisible worm sores (/.<?., vaginal ulcers). In the text, this medicinal is said to be
able to supplement the center. This is because it is bitter in flavor and, as such, is
able to dry dampness. The spleen is averse to dampness. When dampness is
removed, the spleen is fortified.

162 This medicinal supplements the liver and kidneys. Once these viscera are made
strong, the sinews and bones will also become strong.

163 Dioscorea Hypoglauca is specifically capable of expelling wind dampness and
normalizing urination. When wind dampness is removed, the sinews and bones
will become normal and strong. Therefore, it is a good medicinal for generalized
impediment and rigidity and pain of the back.

Herbs: Middle Class

Tong Cao (Caulis Akebiae ) 164 is acrid and balanced. It mainly removes
malign worms, eliminates cold and heat of the spleen and stomach, and
disinhibits and frees the nine orifices, blood vessels, and joints. It may
improve memory. Its other name is Fu Zhi (Appending Branch). It grows
in mountains and valleys.

Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi ) 165 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats block and
repulsion and various [kinds of] dribbling, binding, and urinary stoppage.
It removes thorns, opens welling abscesses and swellings, brightens the
eyes, eliminates [eye] screen, breaks the placenta and drops the fetus, 166
and precipitates blocked [i.e., dead] blood. Its other name is Ju Ju Mai
(Giant Wheat). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Bai Jiang (Herba Patriniae Heterophyllae Cum Radice) is bitter and
balanced. It mainly treats fulminant heat, burns, red qi [i-e., blood
diseases], scabs, flat abscesses, hemorrhoids, horse saddle [bruises], and
heat qi. Its other name is Lu Chang (Deer Intestine). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

164 One should note that, before the Song dynasty, what is now called Mu Tong
was called Tong Cao and vice versa. Akebia downbears heart fire, clears lung heat,
abducts damp heat out through urination, and disinhibits the blood vessels and
joints. It is an important medicinal for disinhibiting urination, promoting lactation,
and freeing the flow of the channels. Yang Shi-ying, a.k.a. Yang Ren-zhai, a prolific
medical writer of the Song dynasty, wrote:

Generalized dull heat and pain, hypertonicity, and cold feet are all due to
hidden heat damaging the blood and require Akebia to free the heart
orifices. When the channel and vessel networks enjoy free circulation, these
diseases will be eliminated.

165 This medicinal is good at disinhibiting. It downbears fire and, therefore, is a
miraculous medicinal for strangury.

166 This implies that this medicinal is able to precipitate a dead fetus.

56

57

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae ) 167 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
leaking, red and white [vaginal discharge], blood block, and swollen
genitals in females, and cold and heat, head wind, and [wind] invading the
eyes causing tearing. It promotes the growth of the muscles and skin and
moistens and makes [the skin] shiny. It can be used to make a face cream.
Its other name is Fang Xiang (Fragrance). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Dm Ruo (Radix Polliae Japonicae) is acrid and slightly warm. It mainly
treats the chest and rib-side region. It precipitates counterflow qi, warms
the center, and [is good for] wind invading the brain door, 168 swollen head
and headache, copious snivel, and tearing. Protracted taking may boost the
essence, brighten the eyes, and make the body light. Its other name is Du
Heng (Horizontal Peartree). It grows in rivers and swamps.

Zi Cao (Radix Lithospermi Seu Amebiae ) 169 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen and the five [kinds of] jaundice. It
supplements the center, boosts the qi, disinhibits the nine orifices, and
frees the flow of the water passageways. Its other name is Zi Dan (Purple
Elixir). Another name is Zi Ao (Purple Pigment). It is also called Di Xue
(Earth Blood). It grows in mountains and valleys.

167 Angelica Dahurica dissipates wind, dispels dampness, frees the orifices, and
promotes perspiration. It is often used as an usher to the hand and foot yang ming
and jue yin and hand tai yin. The yang ming travels the face and head. When there
is headache and blurred vision, one may prescribe Angelica Dahurica with
Ligusticum Wallichium. If there is supraorbital pain, it may be combined with
Notopterygium and Scutellaria. In addition, Angelica Dahurica treats toothache,
deep-source nasal congestion, itching of the eyes, and tearing, and it is often used
to treat wind stroke (either bowel or visceral stroke), leaking, blood block, and
genital swelling. These disorders are usually due to wind cold complicated by
damp heat.

168 This refers to the area around the point Nao Hu (GV17). When wind enters the
brain through the brain door (nao hu), it may give rise to pain at the vertex and, in
extreme cases, to retching and vomiting and dizziness.

169 Lithospermum cools and quickens the blood, disinhibits the nine orifices, and
frees urination and defecation. Therefore, it is able to treat heart and abdominal
evil qi, water swelling, and the five categories of jaundice (i.e., grain, wine, and sex
jaundice, yellowing, and yellow sweating).

Zi Wan (Radix Asteris Tatarici ) 170 is bitter and warm. It mainly treats
cough and counterflow qi ascent and cold and heat bound qi in the chest.
It eliminates gu toxins and crippling wilt and quiets the five viscera. It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Xian (Cortex Radicis Dictamni Dasycarpi) 171 is bitter and cold. It
mainly treats head wind, jaundice, cough and counterflow, dribbling,
genital swelling and pain in females, damp impediment, dead muscles,
and inability to bend or stretch [the joints] and to walk or stand. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Wei Xin (Herba Gnaphalii Affineae) 172 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats wind damp impediment, joint-running pain, fright epilepsy,
protrusion of the tongue, palpitation qi, bandit wind, mouse fistulas, and
welling abscesses and swellings. Its other name is Mi Xin (Elk Bite). It
grows in rivers and swamps.

170 Aster supplements vacuity and regulates the center, treating cold and heat
bound qi, coughing and ejection of pus and blood. It is a miraculous medicinal for
vacuity heat and vacuity taxation.

171 This medicinal is dry in nature and, as such, is able to penetrate and break
block. Therefore, it is used to disinhibit the joints, free the nine orifices, and move
the water passageways. In modem times, it is used to treat jaundice, wind
impediment, weak sinews and bones, heat sores, scabs, brittle hair, and hair loss.
Genital swelling in females is usually due to accumulation of damp heat. Because
Dictamnus can dry dampness, it is also prescribed to treat such troubles as well.

172 This medicinal is hard to identify. Many herbs have been suggested for it. One
possibility is Herba Salriae Nippomicae.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Bai Wei (Radix Cynanchi Baiwei) 173 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
sudden wind stroke, generalized fever, limb fullness [i.e., distention],
sudden inability to recognize people, manic and confusing evil qi, cold and
heat, aching pain, and distressing warm malaria which attacks at regular
intervals. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Xi Er Shi (Fructus Xanthii Sibirici) 174 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats
wind and cold headache, wind damp generalized impediment,
hypertonicity and pain of the limbs, and malign flesh and dead muscles.
Protracted taking may boost the qi, sharpen the ears and eyes, strengthen
the will, and make the body light. Its other name is Hu Xi (Nomad's Ear¬
ring). Another name is Di Kui (Earth Big Flower). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae) 175 is sweet and cold. It mainly
treats taxation damage, vacuity, and languor, supplements the center,
boosts the qi, eliminates blood stasis, blood block, cold and heat, and
disinhibits urination. The sprout [i.e., young Herba Imperatae Cylindricae]

173 Cynanchum is a medicinal for the yang ming, the ren and chong vessels. It
boosts the yin qi and precipitates water qi so as to treat yin vacuity and effulgent
fire, wind phlegm congestion causing generalized fever, limb distention, and
inability to recognize people. Cynanchum is able to drain heat. Therefore, when
heat is cleared, wind will die down, and when phlegm is cleared, soberness will
be regained. In addition, this medicinal also treats evil qi warm malaria with
alternating fever and chills, and generalized aching pain and, in females,
gestational and postpartum enuresis. These troubles are all due to blood heat. So-
called sudden wind stroke is also called xue jue (blood inversal) or yu mao
(depression faintness). It is characterized by copious sweating, shortage of blood,
qi congested so as to be at a stop, and sudden loss of consciousness or confused
mind. To treat this, Cynanchum is prescribed together with Peony.

174 The current name of this medicinal is Cang Er.

175 Imperata supplements the center, drains fire, disinhibits urination, disperses
blood stasis, and stops various types of bleeding. As a matter of fact, it is a remedy
for any illnesses related to the blood, such as taxation detriment ejection of blood,
nosebleeding, flooding, stagnant blood from falls and knocks, and blood block
with cold and heat in females. It also treats hiccough, lung heat rapid panting, and
internal heat vexatious thirst.

00

mainly precipitates water. Its other name is Lan Gen (Orchid Root).
Another name is Ru Gen (Linked Root). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Suan Jiang (Herba Physalis Alkekengi) is sour and balanced. It mainly
treats heat and vexatious fullness, settles the will, boosts the qi, and
disinhibits the water passageways. In case of difficult delivery, swallowing
its seed [i.e., Semen Physalis Alkekengi] may effect instant delivery. Its
other name is Cm Jiang (Paste Vinegar). It grows in rivers and swamps.

Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) 176 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats
impotence, expiry and damage, and pain in the penis. It disinhibits
urination, boosts the qi and [physical] force, and strengthens the will. Its
other name is Gang Qian (Staunch Front). It grows in mountains and
valleys.

Li Shi (Semen Iridis Pallasii) 177 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
cold and heat in the skin, heat qi in the stomach, and wind, cold, damp
impediment. It fortifies the sinews and bones and makes one desire food.
Protracted taking may make the body light. Its flowers and leaves [i.e., Flos
Et Folium Iridis Pallasii] are able to remove white worms [i.e., pinworms].
Its other name is Ju Cao (Sharp Weed). Another name is San Jian (Three
Hard). It is also called Shi Shou (Pig Head). It grows in rivers and valleys.

176 Epimedium boosts the essence and qi, fortifies the sinews and bones, and
disinhibits urination. It treats paraplegia and insensitivity of the skin. It is an
important medicinal for impotence due to expiry of yang in males and infertility
due to expiry of yin in females. The phrase expiry and damage means expiry of the
network vessels which are the passageways for yin essence and yang qi. If these
expire or are damaged, impotence and infertility will arise.

177 The name 1 of this medicinal does not agree with the description of its
indications Therefore, its identity is questionable.

M

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Kuan Dong (Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae ) 178 is acrid and warm. It mainly
treats cough and counterflow qi ascent, frequent panting, throat
impediment, various [kinds of] fright epilepsy, and cold and heat evil qi.
Its other name is Tuo Wu (Stone Bag). Another name is Ke Dong (Frozen
Stalk). It is also called Hu Xu (Tiger Beard) and Tu Yuan (Hare Nest). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae ) 179 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats wind and cold, warm malaria, heat qi, and various [kinds of]
epilepsy. It eliminates evils [through] disinhibiting urination and
defecation. Its other name is Jie Li (Wheel Spoke). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Nu Wan (Radix Asteris Fastigiati ) 180 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
continual wind cold, sudden turmoil [i.e., choleraic disease], diarrhea and
dysentery, rumbling in the intestines which goes up and down and is not
fixed in place, fright epilepsy, and hundreds of diseases with cold and
heat. It grows in rivers and valleys.

178 Tussilago is an important medicinal for warming the lungs and suppressing
cough. It is used to treat cough, panting, throat impediment, lung abscess, lung
wilting, and coughing and ejecting of blood. However it is good only for cold
dampness. If these conditions are due to fire heat tormenting the lungs, it is no
longer the appropriate medicinal.

179 There are two species of Fang Ji—Mu Fang Ji (Cocculus Trilobi) and Han Fang
Ji (Stephania Tetrandra). In olden times. Mu Fang Ji and Han Fang Ji were
distinguished in different ways. In some old classics, they were regarded even as
the same plant, and, according to this approach, the distinction between the two
was simply that Mu Fang Ji was the root, while Han Fang Ji was the aerial plant. In
modem prescriptions, no differentiation is made between them.

This medicinal is specific for the foot tai yang channel but it is able to penetrate all
12 channels. It frees the interstices, disinhibits the nine orifices, and drains damp
heat from the blood division of the lower burner. Therefore, it treats water
swelling, generalized swelling ( i.e ., edema), wind water with panting and
coughing, and cold damp feet leading eventually to swollen feet.

180 Nu Wan (Aster Fastigiatus) and Zi Wan (Aster Tataris) belong to the same
species. Nowadays, only Aster Tataris is used in Chinese medicine.

02

Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi Lucidi ) 383 is sour. It is nontoxic, treating mainly
breast-feeding women, 182 nosebleed, illnesses following wind stroke,
enlarged abdomen with water swelling, puffy swelling of the trunk, face,
and limbs, water inside the bone joints, incised wounds, welling abscesses
and swellings, sores, and suppuration. Its other name is Hu Lan (Tiger
Orchid). Another name is Long Zao (Dragon Date). It grows by the side of
pools.

Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis ) 183 is bitter and slightly cold. It
mainly treats women with milk stagnation pain, the seven damages, and
vaginal discharge disease. It relieves pain, eliminates malign flesh, stops
sweating, and heals incised wounds. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Wang Sun (Rhizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae) is bitter and balanced. It is
nontoxic, treating mainly evil qi in the five viscera, cold damp
impediment, aching pain in the limbs, and cold pain in the knees. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Jiao Chuang (Herba Justiciae Procumbensis) is salty and cold. It mainly
treats pain in the lumbar spine which is unable to touch the bed and where
there is difficulty bending forward and back. It eliminates heat and can be
used to make bathwater.

181 Lycopus should be acrid and bitter, and a little warm rather than sour as in the
text. This medicinal frees the nine orifices, disinhibits the joints, boosts the qi, and
moves the blood. Because it is able to supplement without causing stagnation and
move the blood and qi in a moderate way, it is an ideal medicinal for the treatment
of taxation detriment, abdominal pain, lumbago, and, in females, various
gestational and postpartum diseases. Its other indications, such as incised wounds,
concretions, and water, are all based on its actions of breaking the blood and
dispersing stasis.

182 As a matter of fact, this medicinal is not limited to the treatment of breast¬
feeding women. It is a remedy for various diseases in females, for example,
conditions related to pregnancy and birthing, abdominal pain, lumbago, and
taxation.

181 Sanguisorba enters the foot jue yin and blood division of the lower burner. It
eliminates blood heat and stops bleeding. Therefore, it is a good medicinal for
blood dysentery, vaginal discharge, incised wounds, etc.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Herbs: Middle Class

Ma Xian Hao (Herba Pedicularis Resupinatae) is acrid and balanced. It
mainly treats cold and heat, demonic influx, wind stroke, damp
impediment, and, in females, vaginal discharge disease and infertility. Its
other name is Ma Shi Hao (Horse Droppings Tall Weed). It grows in rivers
and swamps.

Shu Yang Quan (Herba Solani Lyrati) is bitter and slightly cold. It mainly
treats baldness, malign sores, heat qi, scabs, and lichen worms. It cures
tooth decay. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Ji Xue Cao (Herba Hydrocotyle Asiaticae) is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats great heat, malign sores, welling and flat abscesses, wet, spreading
sores, red biao, m reddening of the skin, and generalized fever. It grows in
rivers and valleys.

Yuan Yi (Herba Musci) 185 is sour. It is nontoxic, treating mainly jaundice,
heart vexation, cough and counterflow, blood and qi, and fulminant heat
in the stomach and intestines. It stops incised wounds. 186 Protracted taking
may supplement the center, boost the qi, promote growth of the muscles,
and render the facial complexion good. Its other name is Xi Xie (Past Evil).
Another name is Wu Jiu (Black Leek). It is also called Yuan Ying (Ying on
the Wall), Tian Jiu (Celestial Leek), and Shu Jiu (Mouse Leek). It grows on
the north side of old walls or over the roofs of old houses.

184 Biao refers to acute, infectious, suppurating sores on the fingers, toes, palms of
the hands, and soles of the feet.

185 This refers to a group of species of moss growing over old walls and the roofs
of old houses.

186 According to our reading, this sentence means that this medicinal is able to heal
incised wounds. However, some scholars interpret the words jin chuang nei sai as
a single term meaning lockjaw.

Shui Ping (Herba Lemnae Seu Spirodelae) 187 is acrid and cold. It mainly
treats fulminant heat and generalized itching, precipitates water qi, [helps]
get over wine, promotes the growth of the beard and [head] hair, and
quenches wasting thirst. Protracted taking may make the body light. Its
other name is Shui Hua (Water Flower). It grows in pools and swamps.

Hai Zao (Herba Sargassii) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats goiters and
tumors and nodes in the neck. It breaks and disperses bound qi, welling
abscesses and swellings, and concretions and accumulation hardness qi.
[It stops] abdominal rumbling going up and down and precipitates the 12
[kinds of] water swelling. 188 Its other name is Luo Shou (Fallen Head). It
grows in pools and swamps.

Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori) 189 is bitter. It is nontoxic, treating
mainly chest and rib-side pain as if stabbed by a knife, abdominal fullness,
continual intestinal rumbling, and fright and fear palpitation qi. It grows
in mountains and valleys.

187 This medicinal is good for promoting sweating, even better than Ephedra. It is
indicated for addictive papules, heat sores, and wind warm diseases that are due
to wind.

188 Water swelling can be classified in a number of different ways. The translator
has not been able to identify a specific set of 12.

189 Platycodon drains lung heat, lifts the blood and qi, clears the head, eyes, and
throat, rectifies the qi in the chest, nourishes the blood, and expels pus. For that
reason, it is an important medicinal for lung abscesses, phlegm panting, cough,
nasal congestion, red eyes, throat impediment and sore throat, toothache, and
mouth sores. In addition, because it is able to disperse fire depression in the lower
burner, it treats dysentery, abdominal pain, and rumbling intestines. Zhang Yuan-
su likened Platycodon to a boat which is able to carry various bitter-flavored
downbearing medicinals to break glomus, chest fullness, chest binding, etc. Chest
binding is a syndrome comprised of distention, pain, and hardness below the heart
usually accompanied by fever.

f>4

65

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Xuatt Fu Hua (Flos Inulae) 190 is salty and warm. It mainly treats bound qi,
rib-side fullness, and fright palpitations, removes water, eliminates cold
and heat in the five viscera, supplements the center, and downbears the qi.
Its other name is Jin Fei Cao (Boiling Gold Weed). Another name is Sheng
Zhan (Profound Clearness). It grows in rivers and valleys.

She Quatt (Herba Potentillae Kleinianae) is bitter and slightly cold. It
mainly treats fright epilepsy, cold and heat, and evil qi. It eliminates heat
and [is good for] incised wounds, flat abscesses, hemorrhoids, mouse
fistulas, malign sores, and head sores. Its other name is She Xin (Snakebite).
It grows in mountains and valleys.

Jia Su (Herba Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae) 191 is acrid and warm. It mainly
treats cold and heat, mouse fistulas, scrofulas, and sores. It breaks bound
and gathered qi, precipitates blood stasis, and eliminates damp
impediment. Its other name is Shu Ming (Mouse Water Chestnut). It grows
in rivers and swamps.

190 There is a saying that, "All the hundreds of flowers downbear except for Inula
which upbears." It precipitates the qi and moves water and, therefore, is able to
treat phlegm glomus, water swelling due to the large intestine, head wind, and
belching.

191 The current name of this medicinal is Jing Jie. It promotes sweating, dissipates
wind, resolves binding, clears the head and eyes, disinhibits the blood vessels,
stops vomiting, stops nosebleeding, disperses food, and recuperates from the
effects of alcohol. It is a miraculous medicinal for wind and blood troubles and
sores. In addition, it is effective for postpartum blood faintness.

66

Herbs: Inferior Class

Ying Shi (Semen Rosae Multiflorae) 192 is sour and warm. It mainly treats
welling and flat abscesses, malign sores, flesh binding, sprained sinews,
putrefying sores, heat qi, and intractable genital erosion. It [also]
disinhibits the joints. Its other name is Qiang Wei (Wall Rose). Another
name is Qiang Ma (Wall Flax). It is also called Niu Ji (Cow Bramble). It
grows in rivers and valleys.

Mu Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan) 193 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats cold
and heat, wind stroke, tugging and slackening tetany, and fright epilepsy
evil qi. It eliminates concretions, hardness, and blood stasis lodged in the
stomach and intestines, quiets the five viscera, and cures abscesses and
sores. Its other name is Lu Jiu (Deer Leek). Another name is Shu Gu (Mouse
Aunt). It grows in mountains and valleys.

192 Semen Rosae Multiflorae is used to treat thorns in the flesh, fish bones stuck in
the throat, etc. The translator suspects that the indications explained in the text are
those of Radix Rosae Multiflorae.

193 Moutan is particularly able to drain fire hidden in the blood. It is often used to
harmonize, cool, and generate the blood, to break accumulated blood, and to free
the flow of the channels. It is aii important medicinal for treating blood ejection
and nosebleeding. It is also effective for steaming bones. Zhang Yuan-su said,
" Moutan treats sweat-absent steaming bones, while Lycium Root Bark treats
steaming bones with perspiration." In this passage, Moutan is said to treat tugging
and slackening, tetany, and fright epilepsy evil qi. The reason is that these
conditions are all due to yin vacuity and blood heat leading to mutual fanning of
wind and fire. Ibis then results in fire drafting phlegm upward. Since this
medicinal is able to cool and generate blood, it subdues these evils.

67

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Shi Wei (Folium Polypodii Linguae) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats taxation heat evil qi and the five dribbling blocks. 194 It disinhibits
urination by [dredging] the water passageways. Its other name is Shi Zhe
(Stone Skin). It grows over rocks in the mountains and valleys.

Bai He (Bulbus Lilii ) 195 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats evil qi,
abdominal distention, and heart pain. It disinihibits urination and
defecation, supplements the center, and boosts the qi. It grows in rivers
and valleys.

Zi Shett (Radix Salviae Chinensis ) 196 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
accumulations and gatherings in the heart and abdomen and cold and heat
evil qi. It frees the nine orifices and disinhibits urination and defecation. Its
other name is Mu Meng (Female Usnea). It grows in mountains and
valleys.

Wang Gua (Radix Trichosanthis Cucumeroidis ) 197 is bitter and cold. It
mainly treats wasting thirst, internal impediment, blood stasis, menstrual
block, cold and heat, and aching pain. It boosts the qi and cures deafness.
Its other name is Tu Gua (Earth Melon). It grows in plains and swamps.

194 Urinary block is due to collection or stoppage of fluids. Since there are five
kinds of fluid-sweat, urine, saliva, tears, and steam from the breath—there are
five kinds of urinary block.

195 Lily is able to move both the constructive and defensive and bring harmony
between yin and yang. Nowadays, it is often used as a supplementing food.

196 This medicinal is no longer used. Therefore, it is difficult to identify. Among
the possibilities are Radix Polygoni Tenuicaulis and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae.

197 This medicinal is often used to drain heat, move the blood, and expel stasis. In
addition, it is able to precipitate water and promote lactation. Its indications
include jaundice, wasting thirst, menstrual block, suppuration, swelling, lower
abdominal fullness and pain, and urinary and fecal stoppage.

68

Herbs: Inferior Class

Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei ) 198 is bitter, cold, and toxic. It mainly
precipitates blood stasis, blood block, and cold and heat. It breaks
concretions and conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings, and
lodged rheum and abiding food. It flushes the stomach and intestines to
weed out the stale and bring forth the new, disinhibits and frees the flow
of water and grain, regulates the center to transform food, and quiets and
harmonizes the five viscera. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Gan Sui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui) is bitter, cold, and toxic. It mainly
treats enlarged abdomen, mounting conglomeration, abdominal fullness,
puffy swelling of the face and eyes, and lodged rheum and abiding food.
It breaks concretions and hardness, accumulations and gatherings and
disinhibits the water and grain passageways. Its other name is Zhu Tian
(Governing Land). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Ting Li (Semen Lepidii Seu Descurainiae ) 199 is acrid and cold. It mainly
treats concretions, conglomerations, gatherings, and accumulation bound
qi and [abiding] food and drink with cold and heat. It breaks hardness,
expels evils, and disinhibits and frees the flow of the water passageways.
Its other name is Da Shi (Great Room). Another name is Da Shi (Great
Comfort). It grows in plains, swamps, and fields.

198 Rhubarb is particularly able to drain damp heat and precipitate stagnation and
accumulation. It is often used to treat cold damage, delirious speech with fever,
malaria, dysentery, urinary and fecal stoppage, glomus pain, accumulations and
gatherings, and jaundice. It is an indispensible medicinal for fire depressed in the
blood and dryness of the stomach and intestines. In addition, it also treats phlegm,
suppuration, swelling, ejection of blood, and nosebleed.

199 There are two kinds of Lepidium, the sweet and bitter. Here, the author
appears to only be referring to the bitter. Lepidium is especially good at
downbearing the lung qi. Because the lung qi is the upper source of water, when
it fails to descend, damp water flooding may occur giving rise to swelling,
distention, phlegm cough, panting and chest fullness, etc. This is when this
medicinal should he used.

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Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae) 200 is bitter and warm. It is toxic,
treating mainly cough and counterflow qi ascent, rales in the throat,
panting, swollen throat, shortness of breath, gu toxins, ghosts, malaria,
mounting conglomeration, welling abscesses, and swellings. It kills worms
and fish. Its other name is Qu Shui (Water Eliminator). It grows in rivers
and valleys.

Ze Qi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopiae ) 201 is bitter and slightly cold. It
mainly treats skin fever, enlarged abdomen due to water qi, puffy swelling
of the limbs, face, and eyes, and, in males, yin qi insufficiency. It grows in
rivers and swamps.

200 This medicinal is woody rather than herbaceous. It is able to drastically
precipitate water and, therefore, is often prescribed to treat various kinds of rheum
and water problems. Its indications include the five rheums—lodged rheum,
propping rheum, suspended rheum, hidden rheum, and spillage rheum. These
rheum patterns may present various symptoms, such as panting and coughing,
cold in the back, intestinal rumbling, diarrhea, propping fullness of the rib-side,
and foaming at the mouth. The water patterns it is able to treat mainly include
wind water, skin water, regular water, stone water, and yellow sweating. The
common sign between these water troubles is edema, except for yellow sweating
which is a type of jaundice.

201 This is an important medicinal for abating fever, dispersing phlegm, and
suppressing cough. It is able to disinhibit urination and defecation and thereby
treat an enlarged abdomen. The word yin often refers to the genitals. Therefore,
yin qi insufficiency here should be understood as impotence or lack of sexual
desire.

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Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici ) 202 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats gu toxins, the 12 waters, 203 abdominal fullness and acute pain,
accumulations and gatherings, wind stroke, skin aching pain, and
counter flow vomiting. Its other name is Ang Ju (Raised Hook).

Yao Hua (Flos Wikstroemiae Japonicae) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
cold damage and warm malaria, precipitates the 12 waters, breaks
gatherings, accumulations, great hardness, concretions, and
conglomerations, flushes abiding and aggregated food and drink away
from the stomach and intestines as well as cold and heat evil qi, and
disinhibits the water passageways. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Gou Wen (Herba Gelsemii Elegantis ) 204 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
incised wounds, breast-feeding tetany, malign wind stroke, 205 cough and
counterflow qi ascent, and water swelling. It kills demonic influx and gu

202 This medicinal is able to drastically drain water. In addition, it is effective
against phlegm rheum troubles. Li Shi-zhen (1518-1593 CE), the great
pharmacologist, once explained this action of the medicinal in detail when he
introduced the formula Kong Xian Dan (Drool-controlling Elixir). This is composed
of Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici), Gan Sui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui), and
Bai Jie Zi (Semen Sinapis Albae). He said:

After phlegm drool has taken shape, entering the heart, it gives rise to
withdrawal and epilepsy. Entering the lungs, it gives rise to cough, panting,
and cold in the back. Entering the liver, it gives rise to rib-side pain, dry
retching, and alternating cold and heat. Entering the channels and vessel
networks, it gives rise to insensitivity and pain. Entering the sinews and
bones, it gives rise to a contracting dull pain. Entering the skin and flesh,
it gives rise to scrofulas, welling abscesses, and swellings... All these should
be treated with Kong Xian Dan which will bring a miraculous effect.

203 The 12 waters refer to all categories of swelling, for example, enlarged
abdomen, swollen face, and swelling starting from below with a tendency to
extend upward.

204 Gou Wen (Herba Gelsemii Elegantis) is fatally poisonous. However, its true
identity is controversial. Its Chinese name suggests that once any animal has a bite
of it, it will die immediately.

MVt This implies hypertnnieity of the limbs and tetany.

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toxins. Its other name is Ye Ge (Wild Kudzu). It grows in the mountains
and valleys.

Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri) 206 is acrid and cold. It is toxic, treating
mainly gu toxins, cough and counterflow, diarrhea and dysentery,
intestinal afflux, head sores, scabs, and malign sores. It kills various worms
and eliminates dead muscles. Its other name is Cong Ran (Flourishing
Scallion). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti) 207 is acrid and warm. It is toxic, treating mainly
wind stroke and aversion to wind as after a soaking. It promotes sweating,
eliminates cold damp impediment and cough and counterflow qi ascent,
breaks accumulations and gatherings, and [relieves] cold and heat. The
decoction of its juice is called She Wang (Shooting Net), and it can kill birds
and beasts. Its other name is Xi Du (Extraordinary Toxin). Another name
is Ji Zi (Immediate Child). It is also called Wu Hui (Black Beak). It grows
in mountains and valleys.

206 This medicinal is now used only as an emetic. If one is poisoned by it, Chinese
Scallion can resolve it.

207 Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti), Tian Xiong (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli), and
Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli) are the same substance.
In olden times, it was said that it was Wu Tou if collected in spring, Fu Zi if
gathered in winter, and Tian Xiong if harvested in autumn. According to another
definition, Tian Xiong is Wu Tou that is three inches or longer. Later, another
distinction became popular. The main root was Wu Tou , while the lateral root was
Fu Zi because the word Fu means attaching, lateral, etc.

The three medicinals have similar actions. The curative effects differ between Wu
Tou and Fu Zi as follows. Wu Tou is particularly able to track down wind,
overcome dampness, open obstinate phlegm, and cure intractable sores. In old
prescriptions, Wu Tou was used more often than Fu Zi, especially when congestion
and impediment (or qi and blood block) were concerned. Compared with it, Fu Zi
is stronger in supplementing vacuity.

Tian Xiong (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli) 208 is acrid and warm. It
mainly treats great wind, cold damp impediment, joint-running pain,
hypertonicity, and slackness and tension. It breaks accumulations and
gatherings, [treats] evil qi and incised wounds, fortifies the sinews and
bones, and makes the body light and the walk strong. Its other name is Bai
Mu (White Curtain). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli) 209 is acrid and
warm. It is toxic. It mainly treats wind cold, cough and counterflow, and
evil qi. It warms the center, [treats] incised wound, breaks concretions,
hardness, accumulations, gatherings, and blood conglomerations, and
[relieves] cold dampness, crippling wilt, hypertonicity, and pain in the
knee with inability to walk. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Yang Zhi Zhu (Flos Rhododendri Sinensis) is acrid, warm, and toxic. It
mainly treats bandit wind within the skin causing continual dull pain.

208 See note 16 above. Tian Xiong is seldom used. It may help yang, warm the
water viscera, i.e., the kidneys, invigorate the lumbus and knees, boost the essence
to brighten the eyes, free the orifices, and regulate the blood. It is good for wind
and qi and, therefore, is used to treat wind cold damp impediment, water qi
around the diaphragm in the chest, strings and aggregations (i.e., masses in the
abdomen), and sudden turmoil (i.e., choleraic disease) with cramps, suppuration,
and pain. It is also able to promote perspiration but also to stop sweating if it is
massive.

209 See note 16 above. This medicinal is able to reach all 12 channels and is able to
vanquish all damp cold. Together with qi supplementing medicinals, it may
restore original yang. Used in combination with blood supplementing medicinals,
it is able to enrich and supplement kidney yin. It may also work together with
effusing and dispersing medicinals to dispel wind cold from the exterior, while it
is able to lead warm and hot medicinals to treat cold dampness in the interior.
Therefore, it is often used to treat cold damage of the three yin, wind stroke, cough
and counterflow, dysphagia-occlusion, qi and phlegm reversal cold of the limbs,
spleen diarrhea, cold dysentery, sudden turmoil with cramps, hypertonicity, wind
impediment, concretions and conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings,
enduring fright epilepsy in children, welling and flat abscesses, and all hidden
cold.

Fu Zi is used in two ways, uncooked and processed. The uncooked kind is strongly
effusing; whereas the processed is particularly good at supplementing.

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warm malaria, malign toxins, and various [kinds of] impediment. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Yin Yu (Folium Skimmiae Japonicae ) 210 is bitter and warm. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five viscera, cold and heat of the heart and abdomen
with languor and emaciation, [cold and heat] which attack at regular
intervals like malaria, and wind dampness impediment pain in various
joints. It grows in rivers and valleys.

She Gan (Rhizoma Belamcandae Chinensis ) 211 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats cough and counterflow qi ascent, throat impediment, and
sore throat affecting breathing. It disperses binding qi, counterflow evil in
the abdomen, and great heat due to food and drink. Its other name is Wu
Shan (Black Fan). Another name is Wu Pu (Black Palmtree Leaf). It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Yuan Wei (Radix Iridis Tectori) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats gu
toxins and evil qi, demonic influx, and various toxins. It breaks concretions
and conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings, removes water, and
precipitates the three [kinds of] worms. It grows in mountains and valleys.

210 Nowadays, this medicinal is seldom used. In olden times, it was prescribed as
a ruling medicinal for treating wind epilepsy. This is either a kind of epilepsy with
diverse signs or an epilepsy whose main manifestations are tremor of the
extremities, head shaking, and clenched jaw.

211 This medicinal is able to drain fire, disperse swelling, and resolve phlegm
binding. It is often used to treat throat impediment, sore throat, chest fullness,
abdominal distention, panting, menstrual block, constipation, mounting
conglomeration, and mother of malaria. Mother of malaria is a kind of malaria
complicated by inflammation of the spleen. In addition, it can be used to level the
liver to brighten the eyes.

Guan Zhong (Radix Aspidii Falcati ) 212 is bitter, slightly cold, and toxic. It
mainly treats evil heat qi in the abdomen and various toxins. It kills the
three [kinds of] worms. Its other name is Guan Jie (Running Through Joint).
Another name is Guan Qu (Running Through Ditch). It is also called Bai
Tou (Hundred Heads), Hu Juan (Tiger Roll), and Bian Fu (Flat Tally). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Fei Lian (Flos Et Radix Carduntis Crispi ) 213 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats heat in the bone joints and heaviness and aching pain in the
lower legs. Protracted taking makes the body light. Its other name is Fei
Qing (Lightly Flying). It grows in rivers and swamps.

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae ) 214 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats cold damage, cold and heat, and hardness below the heart. It
downbears the qi, [treats] swollen and sore throat, head dizziness, chest
distention, cough and counterflow, and rumbling intestines, and stops
sweating. Its other name is Di Wen (Earth Texture). Another name is Shui
Yu (Watery Jade). It grows in rivers and valleys.

212 Several different plants supply this single-named medicinal depending on
locale. Hsu identifies it as Rhizoma Blechni, while Bensky and Gamble identify it
as any one of Rhizoma Dryopteridis Crassirhizomae, Rhizoma Woodawardiae
Unigemma tae, Rhizoma Osmundiae Japonicae, or Rhizoma Matteucciae
Struthiopteridis. It is believed that drinking water in which Guan Zhong has been
dipped confers immunity during epidemics such as infectious hepatitis and
measles. In addition, it cures head wind, flooding, vaginal discharge, postpartum
abdominal pain and distention, and concretions and conglomerations.

213 Nowadays, this medicinal is rarely if ever used, and its identity is problematic.
Another likely plant is Crisium Ovalifolium. Because of the difficulty determining
its identity, descriptions of its actions differ from scholar to scholar depending
upon what actual species is used.

214 This medicinal harmonizes the stomach and fortifies the spleen, supplements
the liver and moistens the kidneys, moves water and eliminates dampness, opens
depression and transforms phlegm, downbears the qi, disinhibits the water
passageways, and restores the voice. Therefore, it is often prescribed to treat cold
and heat in cold damage, dizziness, phlegm reversal, headache, supraorbital pain,
sore throat, retching and vomiting, chest distention, abdominal fullness, goiters,
and swelling.

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Hu Zhang (Rhizoma Arisaematis) is bitter and warm. It is nontoxic,
treating mainly heart pain, cold and heat, bound qi, accumulations and
gatherings, lying beam, 215 injured sinews, [sinew] wilt, and contraction and
slackening [of the sinews]. It disinhibits the water passageways. It grows
in mountains and valleys.

Lang Dang Zi (Semen Scopoliae Japonicae ) 216 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats toothache by driving out the worms, flesh impediment, and
hypertonicity. It may make one walk briskly and behold ghosts. Taking
[too] much of it may make one run frenetically. Protracted taking will
make the body light, enabling one to run as fast as a galloping horse,
fortify the will, boost the [physical] force, and enable one to communicate
with spirits. Its other name is Heng Tang (Across the Road). It grows in
rivers and valleys.

Shu Qi (Herba Dichroae Febrifugae) is acrid, balanced, and toxic. It
mainly treats malaria, cough and counterflow, cold and heat, hard
concretions and binding glomus in the abdomen, accumulation and
gathering evil qi, gu toxins, and demonic influx. It grows in rivers and
valleys.

215 Lying beam is another name for heart accumulation and is one of the so-called
five accumulations. It is mainly divided into two categories. One is a long mass
below the heart accompanied by heart vexation. The other is a long mass starting
from below the umbilicus which may extend up to below the heart.

216 In olden times, the seed was used, but nowadays the root is prescribed instead.
Scopolia Japonica is effective for strings and aggregations (i.e., masses in the
abdomen), cold qi in the abdomen, qi dysentery, prolapse of the rectum, and
genital sweating. In addition, it is sometimes used to quiet the heart, settle the
orientation, and expel wind. From the indications discussed in the text, this
medicinal should be warm or hot rather than cold. The narration of its actions are
also inconsistent. This suggests that this passage may have been garbled by
unknown editors. For example, the statement that taking too much may make one
run frenetically about is contradictory to the statement that protracted taking may
make the body light. Medicinals which make the body light are typically classified
as superior and, therefore, are without negative side effects.

Heng Shan (Radix Dichroae Febrifugae ) 217 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats cold damage cold and heat, malaria due to heat, ghost toxins, bound
phlegm in the chest, and counterflow vomiting. Its other name is Hu Cao
(Dependent Weed). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Qing Xiang (Herba Celosiae Argenteae ) 218 is bitter and slightly cold. It
mainly treats evil qi, heat within the skin, and generalized wind itching. It
kills the three [kinds of] worms. Its seed (Semen Celosiae Argenteae) is
called Cao Jue Ming (Bright [Eye] Deciding Weed) and treats green-blue
lips. Its other name is Cao Hao (Herbaceous Tall Stalk). Another name is
Lou Hao (Crawling Tall Stalk). It grows in plains and valleys.

Lang Ya (Radix Potentillae Cryptonis) is bitter, cold, and toxic. It mainly
treats evil qi, heat qi, scabs, malign sores, and hemorrhoids. It removes
white worms [i.e., pinworms]. Its other name is Ya Zi (Tooth). It grows in
rivers and valleys.

Bai Lian (Radix Ampelosis Serjaniaefaliae ) 219 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats welling abscesses and flat abscesses, disperses bound qi,
relieves pain, eliminates heat, and [treats] red eyes, fright epilepsy in

217 The current name is Chang Shan which has the same implication as the old
name Heng Shan in Chinese. Heng Shan gave way to Chang Shan simply because it
violated an imperial name taboo. In feudal China, any name which sounded the
same as the emperior's name had to be changed. Judging from the text, it seems
that this medicinal is used to stop vomiting, but, as a matter of fact, it is more often
prescribed to provoke vomiting. As an emetic. Radix Dichroae Febrifugae is able
to expel the six kinds of phlegm—wind, cold, damp, heat, food, and qi phlegm—
and clears the five categories of rheum—propping, lodged, suspended, spillage,
and hidden rheum. In modem times, this medicinal is mostly used to treat malaria.

218 Currently, this medicinal is used mainly for eye troubles which are not
mentioned at all in the text. It is believed to be able to settle the liver and brighten
the eyes as well as cure clear-eye blindness and red screen. It also treats bound heat
following cold damage.

219 This is an important medicinal for draining fire and dispersing binding.
Nowadays, it is used mainly to treat various kinds of abscesses and sores,
including clove sores, flat abscess effusion of the back, scalds and burns, incised
wounds, scrofulas, sores, and hemorrhoids.

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children, warm malaria, and, in females, genital swelling and pain. Its
other name is Tu He (Cuscuta Kernel). Another name is Bai Cao (White
Weed). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae) 220 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
welling abscesses and swellings, malign sores, putrid flat abscesses,
damaged yin , 221 dead muscles, evil qi in the stomach, bandit wind, ghost
stroke, and disablement of slackening and inability to contract. Its other
name is Gan Gen (Sweet Root). Another name is Lian Ji Cao (Entangled
Weed). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Cao Hao (Herba Artemisiae Apiacae) 222 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
scabies, itchy scabs, and malign sores, kills lice, [relieves] lodged heat in
the joints, and brightens the eyes. Its other name is Qing Hao (Green Tall
Stalk). Another name is Fang Kui (Opening). It grows in rivers and
swamps.

Huan Jun (Herba Phragmitis Communis) 223 is salty and balanced. It
mainly treats heart pain, warms the center, and removes long worms [i.e.,
tapeworms], white crust, pinworms, snake and [insect] bite toxins,
concretions and conglomerations, and various [other] worms. Its other
name is Huan Lu (Damp Reed). It grows in pools and swamps.

220 Currently, Bletilla has three uses. One is to treat damaged lungs causing lung
bleeding. This typically manifests as coughing or hacking up of blood. Its second
indication is bone fracture. Lastly, it is prescribed to treat burns, cracking of the
skin, welling and flat abscesses, scrofulas, and hemorrhoids. However, in folk
prescriptions, it is used to stop nosebleeding. For this purpose, it is applied
externally, and it proves quite effective.

221 Damaged yin means impotence in males and prolapse of the uterus in females.

222 The current name is Qing Hao. In modern times, it is mainly used to clear heat
to treat steaming bone taxation fever, postpartum vacuity fever, and warm
malaria.

223 Because this medicinal has been out of use for centuries, it is very hard to
identify. It is possible that this is a species of mushroom growing in swamps or
water margins.

Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae) 224 is bitter and balanced. It
mainly treats cold and heat, mouse fistulas, scrofulas, welling abscesses
and swellings, malign sores, goiters and tumors, bound heat, and gu
toxins. Its other name is Yi Qiao (Strange Beauty). Another name is Zhi
(Hub). It is also called Jian Hua (Orchid Flower), She Gen (Broken Root),
and San Lian (Three Honesties). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Ton Gong (Radix Pulsatillae Chinensis) 225 is bitter and warm. It is
nontoxic, treating mainly warm malaria, mania, cold and heat, concretions
and conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings, and goiter qi. It
expels blood [stasis], relieves pain, and heals incised wound. Its other
name is Ye Zhang Ren (Secluded Old Man). Yet another name is Hu Wang
Shi Zhe (Envoy of the Nomad King). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Lu Ru (Radix Euphorbiae Adenochlorae) is sour and salty. It is toxic,
treating mainly eroded and malign flesh, putrefying sores, and dead
muscle. It kills scab worms, discharges pus and malign blood, and
eliminates great wind, heat qi, forgetfulness, and melancholy. It grows in
rivers and valleys.

224 This medicinal is able to drain fire, eliminate damp heat, disperse congealed
blood and gathered qi in various channels, disinhibit water, and free the flow of
the channels. It is used to kill parasites, relieve pain, disperse swelling, discharge
pus, and resolve toxins. In modern times, it is among the most frequently used
medicinals for various sorts of sores.

225 This medicinal is currently called Bai Tou Weng. Besides what is discussed in
the text, Pulsatilla is able to treat all wind troubles, cold pain of the knees,
nose‘bleed, baldness, and swollen testicles. In modern clinical practice, it is mainly
used to treat dysentery

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Yang Tao (Fructus Averrhoae Carambolae ) 226 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats fulminant fever, sudden generalized reddening, wind water , 227
accumulations and gatherings, and malign sores. It eliminates fever in
children. Its other name is Gui Tao (Ghost Peach). Another name is Yang
Chang (Goat Intestine). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Yang Ti (Radix Rumicis Japonici ) 228 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
baldness and itchy scabs and eliminates fever and, in females, genital
erosion. Its other name is Dong Fang Xu (East Constellation). Another name
is Lian Chong Lu (Insect Linked Java Elder Fruit). It is also called Gui Mu
(Ghost Eye). It grows in rivers and swamps.

Lu Huo (Herba Rhynchosiae Volubilis) is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats gu toxins, lumbar and abdominal pain and discomfort in females,
intestinal abscesses, scrofulas, and sores. It grows in mountains and
valleys.

Niu Bian (Radix Aconiti Lycoctomi) is bitter and slightly cold. It mainly
treats skin sores and heat qi. It can be used to make bathwater. It kills
gadflies and small worms. In addition, it treats cow diseases. It grows in
rivers and valleys.

In Ying (Flos Sambuci Japonici) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats various
impediments of the bones, hypertonicity and aching pain of the limbs, cold
pain in the knees, impotence, shortness of breath, and swollen feet. It
grows in rivers and valleys.

226 Because this medicinal is never prescribed in modem times, its definite identity
is not certain. Therefore, its Latin pharmacological identification should only be
regarded as provisional. Other possibilities have been suggested.

227 Wind water is generalized water swelling, which starts in the face and
gradually extends to other parts with pain in the limb joints. This is usually
complicated by fever and aversion to wind.

228 Radix Rhei Undulati is an equally possible suggestion for the identity of this
medicinal. It is usually used externally.

Herbs: Inferior Class

Jin Cao (Herba Arthraxi Ciliaris) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
enduring cough and qi ascent, panting and counterflow, enduring cold,
fright palpitations, scabs, bald white scalp sores, and sores. It kills small
worms on the skin. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae Vulgaris ) 229 is bitter, acrid, and cold. It
mainly treats cold and heat, scrofulas, mouse fistulas, and head sores. It
breaks concretions, disperses goiter bound qi, [treats] swollen feet and
damp impediment, and may make the body light. Its other name is Xi Ju
(Slanting Bow). Another name is Nai Dong (Host). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Wu Jiu (Herba Cotyledinis Malacophyllae ) 230 is sweet and cold. It mainly
treats alternating skin cold and heat and disinhibits the small intestine and
urinary bladder qi. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Zao Xiu (Rhizoma Paridis Polyphyllae Seu Tetraphyllae ) 231 is bitter and
slightly cold. It mainly treats fright epilepsy, shaking of the head and
worrying tongue, heat qi in the abdomen, madness, welling abscesses,
sores, and genital erosion. It precipitates the three [kinds of] worms and
removes snake toxins. Its other name is Zhe Xiu (End of Stinging). It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Shi Chang Sheng (Herba Adianfi Monochlamydis) is salty and slightly
cold. It mainly treats cold and heat, malign sores, and great heat and

229 This medicinal is able to resolve internal heat and mollify liver fire. It has
proved to be quite effective for some eye disorders, especially distention of the
eyes, high pressure in the eyes, tearing, aversion to light, and eye pain. In summer,
it is often used to prevent and treat prickly heat.

230 There is as yet no consensus concerning the identity of this medicinal.
Therefore, this identification is only provisional.

231 This medicinal boosts the spleen and upbears the clear qi of the stomach. It
ascends to the lungs to boost the blood and move the qi, and it invigorates the
kidneys to boost the essence. It quickens the blood, stops bleeding, disperses
swelling, and resolves toxins.

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wards off ghost qi and ill matters. Its other name is Dan Cao (Cinnabar
Weed). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Lang Du (Radix Galarhoei Eblactealati) is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats cough and counterflow qi ascent, breaks drink and food
accumulations and gatherings, and [relieves] cold and heat, water qi,
malign sores, mouse fistulas, flat abscess, erosion [of flesh], ghosts, spirits,
and gu toxins. It kills birds and beasts. Its other name is Xu Du (Succeeding
Toxin). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Gut fiu (Radix Podophylli Versipellis) is acrid and warm. It mainly kills
gu toxins, demonic influx, and spiritual matters. It keeps off malign qi and
ill matters, expels evils, and resolves hundreds of toxins. Its other name is
Jiao Xi (Rhinoceros Horn). Another name is Ma Mu Du Gong (Horse Eye
Toxic Master). It is also called Jiu Jiu (Nine Mortars). It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Bian Xu (Herba Polygoni Avicularis ) 232 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats wet spreading sores, itchy scabs, flat abscesses, and hemorrhoids. It
kills the three [kinds of] worms. It grows in mountains and valleys.

ShangLu (Radix Phytolaccae Acinosae ) 233 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats water distention, mounting conglomeration, and impediment, irons
out welling abscesses and swellings, and kills ghosts and spiritual matters.
Its other name is Chang Gen (Withered Root). Another name is Ye Hu
(Night Crying). It grows in rivers and valleys.

232 Currently, this medicinal is often used to kill roundworms and treat strangury,
malign ( i.e ., intractable) sores, and jaundice.

233 Phytolacca is a drastic water-precipitating medicinal able to eliminate damp
heat and cure water swelling. Besides the indications discussed in the text, it is also
used to cure throat impediment and induce abortion.

82

Nu Qing (Herba Metaplexis Stauntoni ) 234 is acrid and balanced. It mainly
treats gu toxins, expels evil and malign qi, kills ghosts and warm malaria,
and keeps off ill matters. Its other name is Que Piao (Bird Gourd Ladle). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Fu Zi (Rhizoma Typhonii Gigantei ) 235 mainly treats heart pain, blood
impediment, and hundreds of diseases in the face. It is able to carry the
strength of [other] medicinals . 236 It grows in Shu Prefecture [or what is now
Sichuan province].

Gu Huo (Semen Abutilonis Seu Malvae ) 237 is sweet and warm. It mainly
treats great wind, evil qi, damp impediment, and cold pain. Protracted
taking may make the body light, increase life span, and slow aging. Its
other name is Dong Kui Zi (Winter Big Flower Seed). It grows in rivers and
swamps.

Bie Ji 23S is bitter and slightly warm. It mainly treats wind, cold, damp
impediment, generalized heaviness, aching pain in the limbs, and cold evil
joint-running pain. It grows in rivers and valleys.

234 In olden times, the root (Radix Metaplexis Stauntoni) may have been used
instead.

235 Currently, this medicinal is often used as a face cream to remove patches,
blemishes, papules, etc. It is also prescribed for genital itching.

236 This implies that Typhonium is able to lead other medicinals upward.
Depending on which other medicinals it is combined with, it treats a variety of
troubles, such as paralysis, wind phlegm dizziness, hemilateral headache, phlegm
inversal headache, lockjaw, throat impediment, and pain and swelling of the
throat.

237 This medicinal has long been out of clinical use.

218 Because this medicinal has been out of use for centuries, it is now
unidentifiable. It is only known to have been a weed growing in the mountains.

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_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Shi Xia Chang Qing (Herba Seu Radix Cynanchi Paniculati ) 239 is salty and
balanced. It mainly treats demonic influx, spiritual matters, and evil and
malign qi. It kills hundreds of spirits, gu toxins, and old demonic influx
and transformation [manifesting as] running about, crying, sadness, and
abstraction. Its other name is Xu Chang Qing (Senior Minister Xu). It grows
in pools and swamps.

Qiao Gen (Radix Forsythiae Suspensae ) 240 is bitter and cold. It mainly
precipitates heat qi, boosts yin essence, makes the facial complexion
attractive, and brightens the eyes. Protracted taking may make the body
light and slow aging. It grows in plains and swamps.

Qu Cao m is bitter. It mainly treats chest and rib-side pain, evil qi, cold and
heat in the intestines, and yin impediment. 242 Protracted taking may make
the body light, boost the qi, and slow aging. It grows in rivers and
swamps.

239 This medicinal is currently called Xu Chang Qing.

240 Because this medicinal fell out of use by at least the 7th century CE, its identity
is now uncertain. The pharmacological identification given here should only be
regarded as provisional.

241 The translator has failed to identify this medicinal.

242 Yin impediment means painful impediment. In this case, pain in the joints is
its most outstanding characteristic. According to another interpretation, this refers
to impediment primarily caused by cold.

84

Woods: Superior Class

Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos ) 243 is sweet and balanced. It mainly

243 Poria quiets the heart and spirit, boosts the qi, regulates the constructive and
defensive, boosts the spleen, drains the lungs, and drains damp heat from the
bladder. In his exposition on this passage, Xu Da-chun (1693-1771 CE) ascribed all
the troubles of chest and rib-side counterflow qi, worry and indignation, binding
and pain below the heart, cold and heat, cough and counterflow, etc. to the spleen
being too vacuous to transform water. Then he said:

To treat rheum, bland [flavored medicinals] may effect disinhibition. On
the contrary, if a heavy medicinal is prescribed, it may be repelled, unable
to penetrate. Poria is very light and bland. It is ascribed to earth, and earth
overcomes water. Therefore, it is able to dredge and flush [water] away
through urination.

On this point, Chen Xiu-yuan agreed. He said:

Poria enters the lungs and spleen. The chest is the seat of the lungs, and the
rib-side is the region where the spleen is located. When the qi there
counterflows upward, it gives rise to worry, indignation, evil fright, and
fearful palpitations. The seven affects are out of harmony. If water evils
collect in the region below the heart, they will give rise to binding pain. If
water qi is not transformed, vexatious fullness will arise. If this
overwhelms the tai yin r cough and counterflow will arise. If this is held up
in the constructive and defensive, fever and aversion to cold will arise. If
rheum is retained internally, fluids and humors will not ascend. Then this
will lead to parched mouth and dry tongue. All these illnesses cannot be
healed unless urination is harmonized [z.e., disinhibited] to make water
move so that the qi is enabled to transform [water].

There are two kinds of Poria, white and red. Bai Fu Ling (Sclerotium Album Poriae
Cocos) tends to supplement, while Chi Fu Ling (Sclerotium Rubrum Poriae Cocos)
is stronger for draining damp heat. In the premodem literature, if the type of Poria

(continued...)

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

treats chest and rib-side counterflow qi, binding and pain below the heart
due to worry, indignation, fright, and fear, 244 cold and heat, vexatious
fullness, cough and counterflow, and parched mouth and dry tongue. It
disinhibits urination. Protracted taking may quiet the ethereal soul,
nourish the spirit, make one free from hunger, and prolong life. Its other
name is Fu Tu (Crouching Rabbit). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Song Zhi (Resina Pini ) 245 is bitter and warm. It mainly treats welling and
flat abscesses, malign sores, head sores, bald white scalp sores, itchy scabs,
and wind qi. It quiets the five viscera and eliminates heat. Protracted
taking may make the body light and prolong life. Its other name is Song
Gao (Pine Paste). Yet another name is Song Zhi (Pine Tallow). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Bai Shi (Semen Biotae Orientalis ) 246 is sweet and balanced. It mainly

243 (...continued)

was not mentioned, then the white variety was meant. In addition, Fu Shen
(Sclerotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos) is also implied in this discussion. It is
specifically effective for quieting the spirit and stabilizing the heart. Fu Ling Pi
(Cortex Sclerotii Poriae Cocos) is also commonly used. It is particularly good at
moving water to treat water swelling.

244 The phrase from binding to fear may be rendered in another way. Then we
may have, "binding and pain below the heart, and worry, indignation, etc." See
note 1 above to understand the implications of this change in reading.

245 In modern clinical practice. Pine Resin is only used externally and is seldom
prescribed for oral administration.

246 The current name of this medicinal is Bai Zi Ren or Bai Ren. In an annotation on
this passage, Ye Gui said:

Biota Seeds enter the heart and treat fright palpitations. Their qi is balanced.
Therefore, they boost the lung qi. Their flavor is sweet. So they [also] boost
the spleen qi. They are able to enrich, moisten, and boost the heart qi. To
treat wind, one should first treat the blood. Once the blood is moved, wind
will die out on its own. Biota Seeds boost spleen blood. Once the blood is
moved and wind has died down, the spleen will become strong and
comfortable. It follows that dampness is precipitated. Biota Seeds are

(continued...)

Woods: Superior Class

treats fright palpitations, quiets the five viscera, boosts the qi, and
eliminates wind damp impediment. Protracted taking may render the
facial complexion shiny and attractive, sharpen the ears and eyes, and
make one free from hunger, never senile, and the body light while
prolonging life. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Jun Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae ) 247 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats

246 (... continued)

balanced [of qi] and sweet. Thus they boost yin. When yin is made
abundant, the five viscera will become quiet... Nowadays, they are used as
a medicinal to please the spleen, nourish the heart, moisten the kidneys,
enrich the liver, sharpen the wits, and quiet the spirit.

247 In olden times, there was a certain amount of confusion surrounding the
distinction between Jun Gui and Mu Gui (next passage). Li Shi-zhen considered
these different plants. However, according to Chen Cang-qi, a pharmacologist of
the Tang dynasty, they are the same plant but, in terms of their use as medicinals,
are different in quality. Practically speaking, they are the same substance, i.e., the
bark of cinnamon. The thick bark is Mu Gui, while the thin bark is Jun Gui. In
modem prescriptions, there is a distinction between Rou Gui (also called Guan Gui),
Gui Zhi, and Gui Xin. Rou Gui is the Cinnamon Bark which is thick and purplish.
Gui Zhi is the bark of the tender Cinnamon Twig, while Gui Xin is shaved
Cinnamon Bark.

Rou Gui (a.k.a. Guan Gui) is acrid and sweet and very hot of qi. It supplements the
lower burner and life gate ministerial fire and boosts the kidneys. It suppresses
cough and counterflow qi ascent, promotes perspiration, dredges the blood
vessels, and removes wind cold from the constructive and defensive. In addition,
it treats abdominal cold pain, diarrhea due to overwhelming dampness, choleraic
disease with cramps, yang vacuity spontaneous sweating, headache, red eyes, and
dead fetus. It is often used as a conductor for various medicinals.

Gui Zhi is acrid and sweet in flavor and warm of qi. It warms the channels and
frees the flow of the vessels, promotes perspiration and resolves the muscles,
disinhibits the lung qi, and dissipates blood amassment in the lower burner. It
treats cold damage headache, wind stroke spontaneous sweating, painful wind
(i.e., rheumatic arthritis), and rib-side wind pain.

Gui Xin is bitter and acrid. It is able to lead the blood to transform pus and turn the
blood into sweat. As suc h, it is an important medicinal to draw the toxins of

(continued...)

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Woods: Superior Class

i

hundreds of diseases, nurtures the essence spirit, and renders the facial
complexion harmonious. It may serve as an usher or envoy for various
medicinals. Protracted taking may make the body light, prevent senility,
and render the face bright and efflorescent, thus forever looking charming
like a child's face. It grows in the mountains and valleys of Jiao Zhi . 248

Mu Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae ) 247 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
cough and counterflow qi ascent, binding qi, throat impediment, and
[inhibited] breathing. It disinhibits the joints, supplements the center, and
boosts the qi. Protracted taking may enable one to communicate with
spirits, make the body light, and prevent senility. It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis ) 249 is acrid and balanced. It

247 (...continued)

welling and flat abscesses and pox sores from the inside. Moreover, it disperses
stasis, promotes the growth of the muscles ( i.e ., flesh), supplements taxation, joins
severed sinews, and warms the lumbus and knees. It treats all kinds of heart pain,
wind impediment, concretions and conglomerations, dysphagia-occlusion, and
abdominal pain. In many cases, Rou Gui is used as a substitute for it.

248 l.e., present-day Guangxi Province

249 Eucommia is sweet and slightly acrid in flavor and warm of qi. Sweetness and
acridity are able to supplement, while slight acridity moistens. Therefore, this
medicinal supplements and moistens liver yin, and hence Eucommia is the right
choice for lumbago and knee pain due to kidney vacuity, not to wind cold. Wang
Ang (1615-? CE) said:

Because the child is able to make the mother replete, Eucommia
supplements the kidneys at the same time [as the liver]. When the liver is
replenished, the sinews will become strong, and, when the kidneys are
replenished, the bones will become hard. [Therefore, this medicinal] is able
to produce affinity between the sinews and bones.

However, concerning the actions of Eucommia, Ye Gui took a different approach.
He said:

Eucommia boosts the lungs. Lung metal generates kidney water. For that

(continued...)

mainly treats pain in the lumbus and knees, supplements the center, boosts
the essence qi, fortifies the sinews and bones, strengthens the will, and
eliminates genital damp itch and dribbling after voiding. Protracted taking
may make the body light and slow aging. Its other name is Si Xian
(Missing the Immortal). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Man Jing Shi (Fructus Viticis ) 250 is bitter and slightly cold. It mainly treats
cold and heat in the sinews and bones, damp impediment, and
hypertonicity. It brightens the eyes, fortifies the teeth, disinhibits the nine
orifices, and eliminates white worms [i.e., pinworms]. Protracted taking
may make the body light and slow aging. This is true of Xiao Jing Shi
(Semen Viticis Negundi ). 251

249 (...continued)

reason, it relieves pain in the lumbus and knees. The lungs are the source
of fluids. Because it can make yin adundant, it supplements the center. The
lungs govern the qi and generate water. This is why it boosts the essence
and qi. Once the essence and qi are boosted, the liver will have no lack of
blood to nourish the sinews and the kidneys will have no lack of marrow
to fill the bones. As a result, it fortifies the sinews and the bones. The lungs
govern the qi. When the lungs are boosted, the qi becomes unyielding and
prodigious. In consequence, the will becomes strong. [Genital] damp
itching is due to dampness. Since Eucommia moistens the lungs, it may free
the water passageways. Then dampness is moved. It boosts the lung qi.
Once the qi is made secure, it is able to contain the essence so that dribbling
after voiding is cured.

250 The current name of this medicinal is Man Jing Zi . It cools the blood, tracks
wind, and eliminates dampness. It treats damp impediment and hypertonicity
since these troubles are caused by accumulation of cold, heat, and dampness. Eye
and tooth disorders are usually due to heat, wind, and dampness. Therefore, they
are also indications of this medicinal.

251 In modem prescriptions, Succus or Lignum Viticis Negundi are usually used
instead of Semen Viticis Negundi. For killing parasites, Vitex Trifolia is not as
frequently used as Vitex Negundum. At the end of this passage, some versions
have a sentence, "It grows in mountains and valleys."

88

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Woods: Superior Class

Nu Zhen Shi (Fructus Ligustri Luddi ) 252 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
supplements the center, quiets the five viscera, and nurtures the essence
spirit. It is able to eliminate hundreds of diseases. Protracted taking may
make one fat and strong and the body light and prevent senility. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Sang Shang Ji Sheng (Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci ) 253 is bitter and
balanced. It mainly treats lumbago, rigidity of the back in children, and
welling abscesses and swellings. It quiets the fetus, replenishes the muscles
and skin, fortifies the teeth and hair, and promotes the growth of the beard
and eyebrows. Its seed [Semen Loranthi Seu Visci] brightens the eyes,
makes the body light, and enables one to communicate with spirits. Its
other name is Ji Xue (Parasitic Dust). Yet another name is Yu Mu (Abiding
Wood). It is also called Wan Tong (Naughty Child). It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Su He (Semen Prinsepiae Uniflorae ) 254 is sweet and balanced. It is
nontoxic, mainly treating heart and abdominal evil binding qi and
brightening the eyes. [It also treats] red, painful, wounded eyes, and
tearing. Protracted taking may make the body light, boost the qi, and make
one free from hunger. It grows in rivers and valleys.

252 The current name of this medicinal is Nu Zhen Zi.

253 The current name of this medicinal is Sang Ji Sheng. It is mainly used for
strengthening the kidneys and boosting the blood. Once the kidneys are made
strong, the lumbus will become strong and the teeth secure. Once the blood is
boosted, the fetus will naturally become quiet.

254 The current name of this medicinal is Su Ren. Prinsepia Seeds nourish the
blood, disperse wind, and dissipate heat. In modem prescriptions, they are mainly
used for various eye diseases. In addition, they treat bound phlegm glomus and
deep-source nasal congestion.

Bai Mu (Cortex Phellodendri ) 255 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats binding
qi and heat in the five viscera and the intestines and stomach, jaundice,
and intestinal hemorrhoids. It treats diarrhea and dysentery, leaking and
red and white [vaginal discharge] in females, and genital erosion sores in
males and females. Its root [Radix Phellodendri] is called Tan Huan
(Sandalwood Pillar). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Xin Yi (Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae ) 256 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
cold and heat of the five viscera and generalized [cold and heat], head
wind, pain in the brain, and black patches on the face. Protracted taking
may precipitate the qi, make the body light and the eyes bright, increase
longevity, and slow aging. Its other name is Xin Yin (Acrid Conductor).
Yet another name is Hou Tao (Throat Peach). It is also called Fang Mu
(House Wood). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Yu Pi (Cortex Ulmi Pumilae ) 257 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
urinary and fecal stoppage, disinhibits the water passageway, and
eliminates evil qi. Protracted taking may make the body light and the
person free from hunger. Its fruit [Fructus Ulmi Pumilae] is even better [for
the above troubles]. Its other name is Ling Yu (Withering Elm Tree). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

255 The current name of this medicinal is Huang Bai. Phellodendron is acrid and
bitter. Bitterness fortifies the kidneys, while acridity moistens them. In addition,
it drains bladder fire. It is also an important medicinal for clearing damp heat from
the five viscera and the stomach and intestines as well. The indications explained
in the text are all illnesses due to damp heat. Moreover, it is able to treat wilting
and jaundice.

256 This medicinal helps the clear yang of the stomach ascend to reach the head.
Therefore, it treats head wind, various nasal disorders, etc. In addition, it warms
the center, resolves the muscles, disinhibits the joints, and frees the flow of the
blood vessels.

257 Elm Bark is a disinihibitor, able to move the channels and vessels. It treats dead
fetus in the womb, the five kinds of strangury, and various sores. However, in
modern clinical practice, it is mainly prescribed to treat insomnia.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Woods: Superior Class

Suan Zao (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae ) 258 is sour and balanced. It mainly
treats heart and abdominal cold and heat and evil binding qi, aching pain
in the limbs, and damp impediment. Protracted taking may quiet the five
viscera, make the body light, and prolong life. It grows in rivers and
swamps.

Huai Zi (Semen Sophorae Japonicae ) 259 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
evil qi and heat in the five internals , 260 stops drooling and spitting,
supplements expiry and damage, and [cures] the five kinds of
hemorrhoids, bums, and, in females, mammary conglomeration and acute
pain of the child's viscus [/.<?., the uterus]. It grows in plains and swamps.

258 Zizyphus Spinosa is a very important medicinal for treating insomnia because
it supplements the liver and gallbladder and is also able to fortify the spleen. When
the liver is vacuous, the gallbladder must also be vacuous. All the viscera and
bowels count on the gallbladder for decision-making. If the gallbladder suffers
insufficiency, the heart is restless, and, when there is liver vacuity, it is hard for the
corporeal soul to find a place in which to reside. As a result, sleeplessness arises.

259 Nowadays, the flower and the pod (Flos Immaturus or Fructus Sophorae
Japonicae) are commonly used, and the seed is rarely used as a medicinal. Sophora
Flower moistens liver dryness, clears lung fire, and cools the large intestine. Once
metal is debilitated, it is surely subjected to the bullying of fire. If the lungs and
large intestine are attacked by fire, Sophora Flower or Fruit may clear this, thus
putting the lungs and large intestine at rest. Therefore, this is an important
medicinal for hemorrhoids, intestinal wind, etc.

260 In this phrase, the five internals refer to the five viscera. Evils in the lungs give
rise to drooling and copious sputum, while those in the liver lead to expiry and
damage of the vessel network. Fire sores are ascribed to evil qi in the heart. Evil qi
of the spleen is the cause of mammary conglomeration. Abdominal hypertonicity
and pain is impugned to evil qi in the kidneys. Because Sophora Flower or Fruit
is able to dear evil heat qi from the five viscera, all these illnesses may be cured.

Gou Qi (Lycium Chinensis ) 261 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats evil qi in
the five internals, center heat, wasting thirst, and generalized impediment.
Protracted taking may fortify the sinews and bones, make the body light,
and slow aging. Its other name is Qi Gen (Root of Lycium). Yet another
name is Di Gu (Earth Bone). It is also called Gou Ji (Temporary Abstention)
and Di Fu (Earth Assistant). It grows in plains and swamps.

Ju You (Citrus ) 262 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats concretions and heat

261 The word Gou Qi here refers to the fruit, the stem, and/or the root bark of
Lycium Chinensis. One should note that Lycium Berries are not bitter but sweet.
Generally speaking, this passage is mainly concerned with Di Gu Pi (Cortex
Radicis Lycii Chinensis) as it is currently called. Di Gu Pi downbears lung fire,
drains liver and kidney vacuity heat, cools the blood, and supplements the
righteous qi. In clinical practice, it is often used to abate heat or fever, particularly
steaming bones. The fruit (Gou Qi Zi, Fructus Lycii Chinensis) enriches the
kidneys, moistens the lungs, clears the liver, and supplements the heart. It is a
medicinal for generating the essence and invigorating yang. It fortifies the sinews
and bones and brightens the eyes.

262 The words Ju You do not merely refer to Citrus Reticulatae but the whole
category of Citrus, including Citrus Nobilis, Citrus Medicae, etc. In modern times,
only the peel and seeds are commonly used as medicinals.

Ju Pi, also called Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), regulates the center, frees
the diaphragm, abducts stagnation, disperses phlegm, disinhibits water, and
disperses binding. All these actions are attributed to its nature of drying dampness
and precipitation of the qi. Chen Xiu-yuan said:

Because it enters the lungs, it mainly treats conglomerations and
counterflow qi above the diaphragm. Because it enters the liver, it
disinhibits water and grain. Because it enters the heart, it makes the
sovereign fire bright and removes the foul qi of the turbid yin.

The reason for these effects is this medicinal's precipitation of the qi. In modem
prescriptions, it is often used to fortify the spleen and open the stomach, normalize
the qi and disperse food, eliminate phlegm and resolve chest impediment. In
addition, it is able to cure diarrhea and dysentery. Ju Hong (Exocarpium Citri
Erythrocarpae) is most often used to precipitate the qi and disperse phlegm. Qing
Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) has similar actions as Chen PL It is mainly
used to break concretions and conglomerations, glomus, and bound heat. Ju He

(continued...)

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

counterflow qi in the chest. It also disinhibits water and grain. Protracted
taking may remove foul breath, precipitate the qi, and enable one to
communicate with spirits. Its other name is Ju Pi (Pericarpium Citri
Reticulatae). It grows in the mountains, rivers, and valleys of the South.

262 (...continued)

(Semen Citri) transforms phlegm and dissipates binding (i.e., scatters nodulation)
and treats mounting pain.

Woods: Middle Class

Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata ) 263 is acrid and warm. It is nontoxic,
mainly treating expiry and damage. It supplements the center, joins
[broken] sinews and bones, fills the marrow and brain, quiets the five
viscera, and [treats] five slows and six fasts 264 as well as wind cold damp
impediment. Sheng Qi (liquid Lacquer) removes long worms [i.e.,
tapeworms]. Protracted taking may make the body light and slow aging.
It grows in rivers and valleys.

Mu Lan (Cortex Magnoliae Obovatae) is bitter and cold . 265 It mainly treats
great generalized fever within the skin, removes heat red boils in the face

Lacquer is toxic. It moves the blood, kills worms, and disperses accumulations
and gatherings. It is no longer used in modem prescriptions.

The five slows probably refer to retarded growth in children, i.e., slowness in
acquiring the ability to stand, walk, and speak and slowness in growing teeth and
head hair. The word ji (fast, hasty) may also mean extreme. In that case, the six
extremes mean extreme debility of the sinews, bones, blood, flesh, essence, and qi
However, we have translated this term here as the six fasts in order to maintain the
yin-yang logic of the original Chinese words, juxtaposing the five slows with the
six fasts.

Jt " In modern «Imu ,il pia< li«*, this medicinal is mainly prescribed for various
dermatoses.

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic ___

and drinker's nose, and [heals] malign wind, lai disease , 266 and gemtal
damp itch. It [also] brightens the eyes. Its other name is Lin Lan (Forest
Orchid). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Long Yan (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae ) 267 is sweet and balanced. It
mainly treats evil qi in the five viscera, quiets the will, and [relieves]
aversion to food. Protracted taking may strengthen the ethereal soul,
sharpen [the ears and eyes], make the body light, prevent senility, and
enable one to communicate with the spirit light. Its other name is Yi Zhi
(Wits Sharpener). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis ) 268 is bitter and warm. It is

266 Lai is the traditional Chinese name for leprosy and is characterized by
insensitivity of the limbs, fever in the limb joints, weakness of the hands and feet,
hoarse voice, blurred vision, and pricking pain in the focus. There are two species
of lai, the white and the red. In the white species, there is whitening of the skin,
while in the red, there is erythema.

267 The current name of this medicinal is Gui Yuan. It is sweet in flavor and warm
of qi. It nourishes the heart, supplements the blood, opens the stomach, and boosts
the spleen. It is often prescribed to treat thought and worry taxation damage,
forgetfulness, fearful throbbing, and intestinal wind with hemafecia. In o den
times, Longans were often confused with Yi Zhi (Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae)
which is acrid. This medicinal is included in the wood section instead of the fruit
section because, in ancient times, it was thought to be inedible.

268 Magnolia Bark is able to eliminate dampness and flush away repletion with a
sweeping force. Therefore, it is an important medicinal for relieving chest and
abdominal fullness and distention. In addition, it is often used to level the stomach
and regulate the center, disperse phlegm and transform food, move bound water
and break dead blood, kill worms and check stomach reflux, relieve abdominal
cold pain and cure diarrhea and dysentery, suppress cough and panting, and
overcome choleraic disease.

Magnolia Bark is not a specific medicinal for exterior pathoconditions, but it is
inclined to work towards the exterior. Therefore, in this passage, it is said to cure
conditions such as wind stroke, cold damage, and headache. Moreover, in
combination with different medicinals, it may bring different effects. Wang Hao-
gu said:

(continued...)

Woods: Middle Class

nontoxic, mainly treating wind stroke, cold damage, headache, cold and
heat, fright qi, blood impediment, and dead muscles. It removes the three
[kinds of] worms. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Zhu Ye (Folium Bambusae ) 269 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats cough
and counterflow qi ascent, spillage sinew hypertonicity , 270 and malign
sores. It kills small worms. Its root [Radix Bambusae], when decocted, can
boost the qi, quench thirst, supplement vacuity, and precipitate the qi. Its
sap [Succus Bambusae] mainly treats wind tetany and wind impediment.
Its seed [Semen Bambusae] may enable one to communicate with the spirit
light, make the body light, and boost the qi.

268 (...continued)

Used together with Immature Citrus Aurantium and Rhubarb, it drains
repletion fullness. Used together with Orange Peel and Atractylodes, it
eliminates dampness fullness. Used together with resolving disinhibitors,
it treats cold damage and headache. Used together with draining
disinhibitors, it thickens [i.e., fortifies] the stomach and intestines. Roughly
speaking, it is bitter in flavor and warm in nature. Bitterness can be used to
drain, while warming can be used to supplement.

269 Because there is more than one species of bamboo, this medicinal may also be
described as sweet and cool. However, these species, though different, have similar
actions. Bamboo Leaves cool the heart, moderate the spleen, and eliminate wind
evils in the upper burner. These actions account for their indications such as
vexatious heat, thirst, fever, congesting heat phlegm, cough and panting, ejection
of blood, sudden loss of voice, fright epilepsy in children, and retching and
vomiting. Bamboo Sap is extracted through heating a freshly cut piece of bamboo
over a small fire. It is able to treat clenched jaw, wind tetany, withdrawal and
mania, vexation and restlessness, stirred fetus, etc. Bamboo Root and Bamboo Seed
are now seldom used.

270 The meaning of the word spillage in the expression, "spillage sinew
hypertonicity," is opaque. Ihe translator has failed to make out its meaning. Some
scholars suspect it as a typographical error for cure.

_ The Divine Fanner's Materia Medica Classic

Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii ) 271 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats great wind within the skin giving rise to tormenting itching as if
[caused by] flax seeds, eliminates cold and heat and heat binding, stops
dysentery, promotes the growth of the muscles and flesh, disinhibits the
five viscera, boosts the qi, and makes the body light. It grows in river and
swamps.

Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Comi Officinalis ) 272 is sour. It is nontoxic, mainly
treating evil qi below the heart and cold and heat. It warms the center,
expels cold damp impediment, and removes the three [kinds of] worms.
Protracted taking may make the body light. Its other name is Shu Zao (Shu
Date). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae ) 273 is acrid and warm. It mainly

"

]

271 Actually, this passage covers two medidnals —Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri
Aurantii) and Zhi Ke (Fructus Citri Aurantii). In olden times, there was a
sophisticated discrimination between these two in terms of their actions. In fact,
they have similar curative effects. The only difference is that the action of the
unripe fruit is more drastic than that of the ripe fruit. Bitter Orange breaks the qi.

Once the qi is moved, the blood will enjoy free circulation. In consequence, phlegm
will be dispersed, panting suppressed, glomus and distention eliminated, pricking
pain relieved, and pressure in the rectum resolved. On that account, it is an
important medicinal in the treatment of chest impediment, chest binding, phlegm
aggregation, concretions and conglomerations, counterflow retching, cough, rib-
side distention, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal wind, and hemorrhoids. Besides, it
is also able to open the stomach and disperse food accumulation.

272 Comus warms and supplements the liver and kidneys and fortifies yin and
secures yang. Therefore, it warms the lumbus and knees, constrains urination, and
promotes sweating. In addition to the indications explained in the text, it treats
wind cold impediment, nasal congestion, yellowing of the eyes, ringing in the ears,
deafness, and boils on the face.

273 Evodia specifically works on the liver channel and, at the same time, enters the
spleen and stomach. It has similar actions to those of Comus and, therefore,
mainly treats a similar spectrum of diseases. Because it is able to precipitate the qi,
it is a good remedy for qi counterflow, abdominal urgency, intestinal wind, and
hemorrhoids. Li Gao said:

(continued...)

Woods: Middle Class

warms the center, precipitates the qi, relieves pain, cough and counterflow,
and cold and heat. It eliminates dampness and blood impediment, expels
wind evil, and opens the interstices. Its root (Radix Evodiae Rutecarpae)
kills the three [kinds of] worms. Its other name is Yi (Cooked Yam). It
grows in rivers and valleys.

Qin Pi (Cortex Fraxini ) 274 is sour. It is nontoxic, mainly treating wind cold
damp impediment and continual cold qi. It eliminates fever and green-blue
and white screen in the eye. Protracted taking may keep the head [hair]
from becoming white and make the body light. It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis ) 275 is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five internals [i.e., five viscera], heat qi in the stomach.

273 (...continued)

When turbid yin cannot descend and reversal qi counterflows upward,
obstructed diaphragm with [chest] distention and fullness will arise. Then,
but for Evodia, it cannot be cured. In addition, such conditions as desire to
vomit after eating which is due to liver cold assaulting the stomach,
stomach cold glomus, fullness and dysphagia-occlusion are all also its
indications. What's more, Evodia is effective for precipitating blood stasis
in the lower abdomen and postpartum retained blood.

Evodia is also good at expelling wind evils and opening the interstices. Therefore,
it is able to treat fire sores in children, jue yin headache, wind papules, and lacquer
sores.

274 Fraxinus levels the liver and, therefore, is a good medicinal for eye dispo s es and
heat dysentery. In modem prescriptions, it is sometimes used to treat scanty semen
in males and vaginal discharge in females. However, it is seldom used for the other
indications given in the text.

/

Gardenia is a medicinal for the heart, liver, and stomach. It is able to penetrate
the qi and blood, particularly the blood. Because it is bitter and cold, it drains heat
from the heart and lungs to resolve fire depression of the triple burner. Therefore,
conditions like reversal heat heart pain are resolved. Even more remakable is its
ability to cure heart vexation and anguish, insomnia, and various categories of
jaundice. It should be noted that nearly all empirically proven formulas for
jaundice contain (iardenia.

f

98

99

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

red boils on the face, drinker's nose, white lai and red lai' and sores. Its
other name is Mu Dan (Wood Cinnabar). It grows in rivers and valleys.

He Huatt (Cortex Albizziae Julibrissinis) is sweet and balanced. It mainly
quiets the five viscera, harmonizes the heart and will [*•£•, the emotions],
and makes one happy and worry-free. Protracted taking may make the
body light, brighten the eyes, and [put one in a contented frame of mind
as if one had] acquired whatever one desired. It grows in the mountains
and valleys of Yi Zhou. 276

Qin Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Peperiti ) 277 is acrid and warm. It mainly
treats wind evil qi, warms the center, eliminates cold impediment, fortifies
the teeth, promotes the growth of hair, and brightens the eyes. Protracted
taking may make the body light, render a good facial complexion, slow
aging, prolong life, and enable one to communicate with spirits. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

I

276 I.e., an area around present-day Chengdu, Sichuan Province

277 Qin Jiao (Zanthoxylum Peperitum) belongs to the same genus as Oman Jiao or
Shu Jiao (Zanthoxylum Bungeanum). However, its fruit is bigger. As medicinals,
these two have the same actions. This medicinal is acrid and hot and is purely yang
in nature. Therefore, it is able to supplement the life gate fire to treat kidney qi
upward counterflow, yang debility frequent urination, night sweats, and seminal
efflux. In addition, it fortifies the teeth and frees the flow of the channels.
Moreover, it is capable of promoting sweating and effusing cold. As such, it is
used to treat cold damage cough and throat impediment. Zanthoxylum is inclined
to enter the spleen, and its other action is to dry dampness and eliminate cold. For
that reason, it is often used to disperse food, eliminate distention, and relieve heart
and abdominal cold pain, vomiting, dysentery, phlegm rheum, and water
swelling. For the above indications, the pericarp (Pericarpium) is used. However,
the seed (Semen) is also a commonly used medicinal. It is called Jiao Mu. It is

particularly good for moving water to treat swelling.

Woods: Middle Class

Zi Wei (Flos Campsitis Grandiflorae ) 278 is sour and slightly cold. It mainly
treats women's breast-feeding and postpartum illnesses, flooding,
concretions and conglomerations, blood block, cold and heat, and languor
and emaciation. It nourishes the fetus. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Wu Yi (Semen Fermentatum Ulmi Macrocarpae ) 279 is acrid. It mainly
treats evil qi in the five internals, dissipates excessive moving toxins in the
skin, flesh, and bone joints, 280 removes the three [kinds of] worms, and
transforms food. Its other name is Wu Gu (Wu Mushroom). Yet another
name is Dian Tang (Starch Sugar). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Sang Gen Bai Pi (Cortex Radicis Mori Albi ) 281 is sweet and cold. It mainly
treats damaged center, the five taxations and six extremes, languor and
emaciation, flooding, and expiry of the pulse. It supplements vacuity and
boosts the qi. Its leaf [Folium Mori Albi] 282 eliminates cold and heat and
promotes sweating.

278 This medicinal is able to remove hidden fire in the blood and break the blood
to eliminate stasis. Therefore, it is an important medicinal for diseases in women.
As such, however, this medicinal should be able to induce abortion rather than to
nourish the fetus as is said in the text. In fact, an alternative name for this
medicinal is Duo Tai Hua f Falling Fetus Flower.

279 In modem clinical practice, this medicinal is an important one for parasites and
cold large intestinal efflux. The latter is a kind of diarrhea.

280 This phrase is confusing. Based on references in related literature, it may mean
wind in the muscles, skin, and joints causing a feeling as if worms were moving
within them, i.e., formication.

281 Mulberry Root Bark drains fire qi by moving water qi from the lungs through
urination. Therefore, it treats effulgent heat, cough followed by panting, swollen
face, generalized fever, and inhibited urination. Some of its actions listed in the
text, for example, recuperating a damaged center and supplementing the five
taxations, should be ascribed to the fruit (Sang Zhi , Fructus Mori Albi) rather than
the root bark.

282 Mulberry Leaves cool the blood, eliminate wind, dry dampness, blacken the
beard and head hair, and brighten the eyes. They are good for eye diseases when
used in the* form of a dtvnrtion to wash the eyes. In addition, they are able to stop
night sweats.

100

101

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Sang Er (Fructificatio Aurilae Judae growing on the mulberry) is black. It
mainly cures women's leaking, red and white vaginal discharge, blood
diseases, concretions and conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings,
abdominal pain, yin and yang [disharmony], cold and heat, and infertility.

The five [kinds of] Mu Er (Fructificatio Aurilae Judae ), 283 called Lin
(Windowsill), boost the qi, make one free from hunger and the body light,
and fortify the will [i.e., the mind]. They grow in mountains and valleys.

283 The five Mu Er or Wood Ears include Fructuficatio Ariculae Judae growing on
logs of mulberry, paper mulberry, Chinese scholartree, elm, and willow.

102

Woods: Inferior Class

Song Luo (Herba Usneae Longissimae ) 284 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats indignation and anger evil qi and relieves vacuity sweating, head
wind, and, in females, genital cold, swelling, and pain. Its other name is Nu
Luo (Female Creeper). It grows in mountains and valleys.

Wujia (Cortex Radicis Acanthopanacis Gracilistyli ) 285 is acrid and warm.
It mainly treats heart and abdominal mounting qi and abdominal pain. It
boosts the qi and heals limpness, enabling the [limp] child to walk
instantly. [It also treats] flat abscesses, sores, and genital erosion. Its other
name is Chai Qi (Jackal Lacquer).

Zhu Ling (Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati ) 286 is sweet and balanced. It
mainly treats malaria, resolves toxins, gu toxins, gu influx, and ill matters
and disinhibits the water passageways. Protracted taking may make the
body light and slow aging. Its other name is Jia Zhu Shi (Pig Droppings).

This medicinal also treats cold and heat, removes phlegm from the chest, and
cures head sores. However, it is no longer used.

This medicinal's current name is Wu Jia Pi. Acanthopanax Root Bark
normalizes the qi and transforms phlegm, boosts the qi and fortifies the bone,
expels wmd and overcomes dampness. It treats vacuity taxation, hypertonicity of
the smews, impotence, genital damp itch in females, and weak feet in children. In
modem prescriptions, it is used as an important medicinal for expelling wind
dampness and fortifying the sinews and bones.

Polyporus opens the interstices, promotes sweating, and disinhibits urination.

Its actions are similar to those of Poria, but it does not supplement vacuity
I nerefore, its indications are narrower. It treats cold damage, damp phlegm
intense fever, a burning sensation in the heart, wasting thirst, swelling, distention
strangury, turbidity, malaria, and dysentery.

1(0

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

f

It grows in mountains and valleys.

Bai Ji (Spina Zizyphi Spinosae ) 287 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats heart
and abdominal pain, welling abscesses, swellings, and suppuration. It
relieves pain. Its other name is Ji Zhen (Spinous Needle). It grows in rivers
and valleys.

Wei Mao (Suberalatum Euonymi Alatae ) 288 is bitter and cold. It is
nontoxic, mainly treating flooding and [vaginal] bleeding in females,
abdominal fullness, and sweating. It eliminates evils, killing ghost toxins
and gu influx. Its other name is Gui Jian (Ghost Arrow).

Huang Huan 289 is bitter. It is toxic, mainly treating gu toxins, demonic
influx, and ghost obssession, and evil qi in the viscera. It eliminates cough
and counterflow and cold and heat. Its other name is Ling Quan (Mound
Spring). Yet another name is Da Jiu (Great Accomplishment). It grows in
mountains and valleys.

Shi Nan Cao (Folium Photiniae Serrulatae ) 290 is acrid and balanced. It

287 This medicinal went out of use in the Song dynasty.

288 The current name of this medicinal is Gui Jian. It breaks the blood and frees the
channels (or menses), kills worms and expels ill matters. It may be used to treat
postpartum vanquished blood and sudden heart pain. In modem clinical practice,
however, it is seldom if ever employed. In some versions, this medicinal is
categorized as being in the middle class.

289 This medicinal has long been out of use and its identity cannot now be
determined.

290 This medicinal mainly treats kidney vacuity foot weakness and wind
impediment. It was said that women should not take it. Otherwise they might
become lustful after men. There was also another warning that anyone who took
it might suffer yin wilting (one of whose manifestation is impotence). Li Shi-zhen
rejected these statements, saying:

...this medicinal may fortify the kidneys. Some people take it for the
purpose of living a libertine life, thus contracting wilting and weakness.

(continued...)

Woods: Inferior Class

mainly nourishes the kidney qi, damaged internal damage, and debilitated
yin and benefits the sinews, bones, skin, and hair. Its seed [Semen
Photiniae Serrulatae] kills gu toxins, breaks accumulations and gatherings,
and expels wind impediment. Its other name is Gui Mu (Ghost Eye). It
grows in mountains and valleys.

Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii ) 291 is acrid and warm. It is toxic. It mainly
treats cold damage, warm malaria, and cold and heat. It breaks concretions
and conglomerations, bindings and gatherings, hard accumulations,
lodged rheum, and phlegm aggregation as well as [relieves] enlarged
abdomen water distention. It flushes the five viscera and six bowels, opens
and unblocks blocks and congestions, disinhibits the passageways of water
and grain, removes malign flesh, eliminates ghost toxins, gu influx, and
evil matters, and kills worms and fish. Its other name is Ba Jiao (Ba
Pepper). It grows in rivers and valleys.

290 (...continued)

In other words, the wilting and weakness was not a direct result of the use of this
medicinal but rather the effect of excessive sexual activity resulting in debility
detriment. Nowadays, it is an important medicinal in the treatment of threatened
miscarriage.

291 Croton Seeds overcome cold and expel water. This text provides an exhaustive
list of their indications, including phlegm aggregation, blood conglomerations, qi
glomus, food accumulations, enlarged abdomen, water swelling, diarrhea,
dysentery, deviated mouth, deafness, toothache, throat impediment, sores, and
snake and scorpion toxins. In addition, it kills parasites, induces abortion, and
heals decayed flesh. It is very strong in precipitation and breaking block. There are
many formulas composed of Croton Seeds for various emergency cases. For
example, for the block pattern of wind stroke, which manifests as abdominal
fullness, urinary and fecal stoppage, clouded spirit, clenched jaws, and phlegm
rales in the throat, there is Duo Ming San (Snatch Life Back Powder) composed of
Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae), Ting Li (Semen
Lepidii Seu Descurainiae), and Nan Xing (Rhizoma Arisaematis). It is said that the
condition will be relieved once phlegm is ejected after this formula is taken. For
another example, when there is fulminant heart and abdominal pain and fullness,
clenched jaw, and urinary and fecal stoppage, San Wu Bei Ji Fang (Three Materials
Emergency Formula) is quite effective. This formula is composed of Ba Dou
(Semen Crotonis), /;<• Cmg (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori), Bei Mu (Bulbus
Fritillariae), and jinny (Khi/oma Zingiberis).

IDS

l(M

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Shu Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani ) 292 is acrid and warm. It
mainly treats evil qi, cough and counterflow, warms the center, expels
[cold dampness in] the bones and joints, skin and the flesh, [removes] dead
muscles and cold damp impediment pain, and precipitates the qi.
Protracted taking may keep the head [hair] from becoming white, make the
body light, and increase the life span. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Mang Cao (Folium Illicii Anisati ) 293 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
head wind, welling abscesses, swellings, mammary abscesses, and
mounting conglomeration. It eliminates binding qi, itchy scabs, flat
abscesses, and sores and kills worms and fish. It grows in mountains and
valleys.

Yu He (Semen Pruni ) 294 is sour and balanced. It mainly treats enlarged
abdomen water swelling and puffy swelling of the face, eyes, and limbs.
It disinhibits urination and the water passageways. Its root [Radix Pruni]
mainly treats broken teeth with swollen [gums] and tooth decay and

292 This medicinal has the same actions as Qin Jiao. See Qin Jiao in the Middle Class
of Woods above. It is used mainly for warming the stomach, dispersing food, and
supplementing the true fire of the life gate.

293 This medicinal is drastic and toxic and, therefore, is seldom administered
orally. In modem prescriptions, it is only applied externally and even then but
seldom.

294 The current name is Yu Li Ren. This medicinal precipitates the qi, breaks
aggregations and moves water, and hence is an important medicinal for water
swelling. According to a proven formula, smashed Prune Seed in combination
with Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi) is able to treat foot qi puffy swelling,
heart and abdominal fullness, urinary and fecal stoppage, and rapid panting. Foot
qi is a syndrome of water swelling starting from the feet and gradually extending
upwards. It is usually complicated by numbness of the feet and, in the advanced
stage, cardiac and mental disorders such as delirious speech and c louded spirit.

I Oh

Woods: Inferior Class

fortifies the teeth. Shu Li (Cortex Rhamni Pershianae ) 295 mainly treats cold
and heat, scrofulas, and sores. [Semen Pruni] is also called Jue Li (Tripod
Plum). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Luatt Hua (Flos Koelreuteriae Paniculatae) is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats eye pain, tearing, and injured canthi and disperses eye swelling. It

grows in rivers and valleys.

Matt Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Simulantis ) 296 is bitter and warm. It
mainly treats wind cold damp impediment and joint-running pain and
eliminates reversal qi in the limbs and pain in the knees. Its other name is
Shi Jiao (Pig Pepper). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Lei Wan (Sclerotium Omphaliae Lapidescentis ) 297 is bitter and cold. It
mainly kills the three [kinds of] worms, expels toxic qi and heat in the
stomach, and benefits males but not females. It can make paste to eliminate
the hundreds of diseases in children. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Sou Shu (Semen Deutziae Scabrae ) 298 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats
generalized and skin fever, eliminates evil qi, and stops enuresis. It can be
used to make bathwater. It grows in rivers and valleys.

295 Shu Li (Cortex Rhamni Purshianae) is a different species from Yu Li (Prunus
Japonicae). But for some reason during long circulation, it is now included in this
passage. One should also note that, as a medicinal, it is its bark rather than its seed
that is used.

296 This medicinal belongs to a species of Zanthoxylum which is a large family. Its
definite identity is still an open issue.

297 Omphalia is now used specifically for parasites. The statement in the text that
this medicinal brings benefit to males but does harm to females has been a
controversial issue. One reasonable interpretation is that it dredges and disinhibits
the qi in males but does not do so in females.

?9H The primary actions of this medicinal include disinhibiting the water
passageways, eliminating heat in the stomach, and precipitating the qi.

107

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Yao Shi Gen (Radix Fritillariae ) 299 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats evil
qi and various impediment aching pain, mends expiry and damage, and
supplements the bone marrow. Its other name is Uan Mu (Linking Wood).
It grows in mountains and valleys.

Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae Chinensis ) 300 is acrid, salty, and warm. It
mainly treats wind impediment, dead muscles, evil qi, head wind, and
tearing. It disinhibits the nine orifices and kills spiritual matters. It grows
in rivers and valleys.

Uan Shi (Fructus Meliae Toosendan ) 301 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
warm disease, cold damage, great fever, vexation, and mania. It kills the
three [kinds of] worms, [heals] scab sores, and disinhibits urination and
the water passageways. It grows in mountains and valleys.

Liu Hua (Flos Salicis Babylonicae) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats wind
water, jaundice, and heat black complexion of the face. Its leaves [Folium
Salicis Babylonicae] mainly treat scab sores in horses. Its fruit [Fructus
Salicis Babylonicae] mainly treats open welling abscesses and expels pus

299 Concerning the true identity of this medicinal, there is not yet consensus. One
problem is certain. If the plant is Fritillaria, the medicinal should be its bulb rather
than the root as the Chinese word gen suggests.

300 Gleditsia is a good emetic. It provokes sneezing, disperses wind phlegm,
dissipates swelling, kills worms, and lubricates the large intestine, i.e., removes
constipation. Therefore, it is often used to treat the conditions of loss of
consciousness and inability to speak. Externally applied, it can treat impediment
pain, welling and flat abscesses, sores, and swellings. However, it should not be
used in pregnant women without warrant.

301 Melia Toosendan Fruit drains heat in the bladder and small intestine and
downbears fire in the pericardium. Therefore, it treats distention and pain in the
cardiac region and abdomen. Besides what is explained in the text, it is a good
medicinal for mounting due to cold. However, for parasites, the root bark of the
plant, which is called Ku Uan Gen Pi (Cortex Radicis Meliae Azardachis) is now
used instead of the fruit.

Woods: Inferior Class

and [decayed] blood. Its other name is Liu Xu (Willow Fiber). It grows in
the rivers and swamps of Lang Ya. 302

Tong Ye (Folium Sterculiae Platanifoliae) is bitter and cold. It mainly
treats malign and eroding sores fixed to yin [i.e., deep-seated sores]. Its
bark [Cortex Sterculiae] mainly treats the five kinds of hemorrhoids and
kills the three [kinds of] worms. Its flower [Flos Sterculiae] can be applied
to sores in pigs. If it is fed to pigs, the pigs may grow four times larger.
[This medicinal] grows in mountains and valleys.

Zi Bai Pi (Cortex Catalpae Bungei) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats heat
and kills the three [kinds of] worms. Its flower and leaf [Flos Et Folium
Catalpae] can be pounded and [then] applied to sores in pigs. If they are
fed to pigs, the pigs may grow four times larger. It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Huai Mu (Old Decayed Wood ) 303 is bitter and balanced. It is nontoxic,
mainly treating enduring cough with qi ascent, damaged center, vacuity,
languor, and, in females, genital erosion, leaking, and red and white
vaginal discharge. Its other name is Bai Sui Cheng Zhong Mu (Wood in the
Hundred Year Old Town). It is produced in plains and swamps.

302 l.e., present-day Shandong Peninsula

303 This medicinal is made from decayed wood as, for example, poles and stakes
found in old buildings.

Ben Cao Jing
Book Three

Animals: Superior Class

Fa Bei (Crinis Humanis ) 304 is bitter and warm. It mainly treats the five
[kinds of] dribbling urinary block and block and repulsion. It disinhibits
urination and the water passageways and cures epilepsy in children and
tetany in adults. It may return to divinity again. 305

304 The current name is Xue Yu (Blood Surplus) or Ren Fa (Human Hair). This
medicinal is able to disperse stasis and disinhibit urination and defecation. In
modem prescriptions, Xue Yu Tan (Crinis Carbonisatus) is often used to cure
disorders related to the blood, for example, tongue bleeding, nosebleeding, blood
strangury, and blood dysentery.

305 In ancient times, head hair was deemed a sacred part of the body. Confucius,
for example, said, "One's hair is gifted from one's parents." Hence, it should be
taken good care of. This sentence is a little confusing. It might imply that when
hair was cut, which was a violation of the tenet that hair should be protected as
well as one's lih\ il might grow again as a holy substance.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Animals: Superior Class

I

Long Gu (Os Draconis) 306 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats heart and
abdominal demonic influx, spiritual matters, old ghosts, cough and
counterflow, diarrhea and dysentery of pus and blood, in females, leaking,
concretions and conglomerations, hardness and binding, and, in children,
heat qi and fright epilepsy. Long Chi (Dens Draconis ) 307 mainly treats
children and adults alike of epilepsy, madness, maniac running about,
binding qi below the heart, inability to catch one's breath, and various
[kinds of] tetany. It kills spiritual matters. Protracted taking may make the
body light, enable one to communicate with the spirit light, and lenghten
one's life span. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis ) 308 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats fright
epilepsy, cold and heat, and intense heat, mania, and tetany. It eliminates
evils and dispels ghosts. The tip of the cow horn [Apex Cornu Bovis]

306 Dragon Bone is, as a matter of fact, fossilized animal bones, most often deer
bone. It is sweet and astringent in flavor and slightly cold of qi. It astringes the
intestines, boosts the kidneys, secures the essence, stops sweating, quiets the
ethereal soul, and stabilizes the corporeal soul. It is often prescribed to treat dream-
fraught sleep, fright epilepsy, withdrawal and mania, blood ejection, nosebleed,
flooding, vaginal discharge, seminal emission, prolapse of the rectum, etc. Chen
Xiu-yuan said:

Dragon Bone is able to astringe fire and quiet the spirit, dispel phlegm and
downbear counterflow. Therefore, it is a miraculous medicinal for fright
epilepsy, madness, and tetany.

307 Long Chi (Dens Draconis) is actually fossilized mastodon teeth, Palaeoloxodon
Nomadicus or Archidoskodon Planifronis. It is cold of qi and its actions are similar
to those of Long Gu (Os Draconis). Besides the indications listed in the text, it has
a good effect on heart pain.

308 This medicinal clears the heart and resolves heat, disinhibits phlegm and
suppresses fright. It is often used to treat fright epilepsy and wind stroke of the
viscera which is a critical condition manifesting mainly as sudden collapse with
inability to recognize people. There are two patterns of visceral stroke—block and
desertion. The block pattern is characterized by clenched jaws, urinary and fecal
stoppage, and hypertonicity. The desertion pattern is featured by faint breathing,
sweating, urinary and fecal incontinence, and an expiring pulse. Cow Bezoar is
very effective for both patterns of visceral stroke. However, it should not be used
for channel stroke.

precipitates blocked blood and blood stasis causing aching pain and, in
females, [treats] vaginal discharge and [uterine] bleeding. The marrow
[Medulla Bovis] supplements the center and replenishes the bone marrow.
Protracted taking may lengthen the life span. The bile [Fel Bovis] can make
pills. [Cows] grow in the plains and swamps.

She Xiang (Secretio Moschi ) 309 is acrid and warm. It mainly keeps off
malign qi, kills ghosts and spiritual matters, [cures] warm malaria, gu
toxins, epilepsy, and tetany, and removes the three [kinds of] worms.
Protracted taking may eliminate evils to prevent depressive ghost dreams
in sleep. It is produced in rivers and valleys.

Xiong Zhi (Adeps Ursi ) 310 is sweet and slightly cold. It mainly treats wind
impediment, insensitivity, hypertonicity of the sinews, accumulations and
gatherings in the five viscera and abdomen, cold and heat, languor and
emaciation, head sores, bald white scalp sores, and black patches and boils
on the face. Protracted taking may fortify the will and make one free from
hunger and the body light. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Musk opens the vessel network and frees the orifices and, therefore, is good for
wind stroke, phlegm reversal, fright epilepsy, and heart and abdominal distention,
pain, glomus and fullness. This medicinal has a wide range of indications. For
example, Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (Free the Orifices & Quicken the Blood
Decoction) with Musk as a main ingredient is very effective for taxation vacuity,
baldness, drinker s nose, and gan in children which manifests mainly as dyspepsia,
increasing emaciation, and enlarged abdomen.

This is the fat growing in the back of the bear. However, it is seldom used
nowadays. Instead Xiong Dan (Fel Ursi), which is able to cool the heart and level
the liver, is often prescribed to treat fright epilepsy, various hemorrhoids, gan in
children, malign son's, and jaundice. In addition, because it levels the liver, it is
capable of brightening the ryes.

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Animals: Superior Class

Bai Jiao (Gelatinum Cornu Cervi ) 311 is sweet and balanced. It mainly
treats damaged center, taxation expiry, lumbago, and languor and
emaciation. It supplements the center and boosts the qi. In females, [it
treats] blood block infertility, relieves [abdominal] pain, and quiets the
fetus. Protracted taking may make the body light and prolong life. Its other
name is Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Horn Glue).

E Jiao (Gelatinum Corii Asini ) 312 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
heart and abdominal internal flooding, extreme taxation, chills as in
malaria, pain in the lumbus and abdomen, and aching pain in the limbs. In
females, it precipitates the blood and quiets the fetus. Protracted taking
may make the body light and boost the qi. Its other name is Chuan Zhi Jiao
(Passing Glue).

Dan Xiong Ji (Gallus Rubrus Masculinus ) 313 is sweet and slightly warm.
It mainly treats flooding and leaking and red and white vaginal discharge

311 The current name is Lu Jiao Jiao. This medicinal is sweet in flavor and warm of
qi. It supplements the essence and blood and fortifies the sinews and bones. It is
often prescribed to treat kidney vacuity cold, taxation damage, and aching pain in
the limbs. Because it supplements very strongly, it is only appropriate for fire
debility conditions with a deep and fine pulse.

312 Ass Hide Glue is able to clear the lungs and nourish the liver, enrich the
kidneys and supplement yin. It is an important medicinal for supplementing the
blood and is often prescribed to treat various conditions related to the blood, for
example, blood ejection, hemorrhoids, hemafecia, menstrual irregularities,
flooding, and stirring fetus. In his Ming Yi Bie Lu (Collected Extracts from
Distinguished Physicians), Tao Hong-jing said, Ass Hide Glue's "indications include
lower abdominal pain in males, vacuity taxation, insufficient yin qi, aching feet
with inability to stand up for long, and nourishing the liver qi."

313 This medicinal is red, male Chicken. However, since the end of the Han
dynasty, the sex and color of chickens have not been taken into account when they
are used as a medicinal. Generally speaking, Chicken is able to supplement vacuity
and warm the center. In this passage, several different parts of the chicken are
discussed as separate medicinals. In modem prescriptions, however, only Bi Zhi
or Ji Nei Jin (Endothelium Comeum Gigeriae Galli) in modem terms is commonly
used as a medicinal. Able to promote digestion, it is a remedy for food damage,
stomach reflux, diarrhea, and dysentery. Besides, it treats frequent urination,
enuresis, hematuria, flooding, and vaginal discharge.

114

in females. It supplements vacuity, warms the center, frees the spirit, kills
toxins, and wards off ill matters. The head [Caput Galli] mainly kills
ghosts. The fat [Adeps Galli] mainly treats deafness. The intestines
[Intestinus Galli] mainly treats enuresis. The gizzard [Gigeria Galli] with
its yellow membrane mainly treats diarrhea and dysentery. The white of
the chicken's dropping mainly treats wasting thirst, cold damage, and cold
and heat. The feathers [Pluma Galli] mainly precipitate blood block. The
egg [Ovum Galli] eliminates fire heat sores, epilepsy, and tetany. It is
capable of making the divine thing, amber. Fleas on chickens 314 may fatten
pigs. [Chickens] grow in the plains and swamps.

Yan Fang (Adeps Anas ) 315 is sweet and balanced. It is nontoxic, mainly
treating wind hypertonicity, hemilateral withering, and inhibited qi.
Protracted taking may boost the qi, make one free from hunger and the
body light, and slow aging. Its other name is Wu Fang (Wild Duck Fat).
[Ducks] grow in pools and swamps.

Shi Mi (Mel ) 316 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats heart and abdominal
evil qi, all fright epilepsy, and tetany. It quiets the five viscera when they
sustain various insufficiencies, boosts the qi, supplements the center,
relieves pain, and resolves toxins. It eliminates multitudes of diseases and
harmonizes hundreds of medicinals. Protracted taking may fortify the will,
make the body light and free from hunger, and prevent senility. It is
produced in mountains and valleys.

314 The identity of this medicinal is questionable.

315 This bird is either the domesticated or wild duck. Nowadays, it is seldom used
as a medicinal.

3,6 Honey moistens dryness, resolves various toxins, relieves various kinds of
pain, frees the flow of the triple burner, and harmonizes the constructive and
defensive. It is niton proscribed to suppress cough, cure dysentery, and brighten
the eyes. Besides the indications listed in the text, it may render the face brilliant.

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Mi La (Cera Alba ) 317 is sweet and slightly warm. It mainly treats dysentery
with pus and blood, supplements the center, and mends expiry and
damage and incised wounds. It boosts the qi, makes one free from hunger,
and slows aging. It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Feng Zi (Larva Apis Ceranae ) 318 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
head wind, eliminates gu toxins, and supplements vacuity and languor and
damaged center. Protracted taking may make one have a brilliant, lovely
facial complexion and prevent senility. Da Huang Feng Zi (Larva Vespae)
mainly treats heart and abdominal distention, fullness and pain. It may
make the body light and boost the qi. Tu Feng Zi (Larva Scoliae) mainly
treats welling abscesses and swellings. Another name (for Larva Scoliae]
is Fei Ling (Lonely Fly). They grow in mountains and valleys.

317 In modem prescriptions, wax is seldom administered orally except when it is
used as a coating of pills. It is sometimes applied externally to treat frostbite.

318 Tao Hong-jing said, "It mainly treats heart and abdommal pain, vomiting of
the five kinds of worms in the abdomen in both adults and children, and yellowing
of the face and eyes." Zhao Xue-min (1719-1805 CE) said in his Ben Cao Gang Mu
Shi Yi (A Supplement to the Outlines of Materia Medica), "Bee Chrysalis mainly treats
cinnabar toxins, wind papules, lodging heat in the abdomen, and inhibited
urination and defecation...It treats vaginal discharge and promotes lactation in
women."

Mu Li (Concha Ostreae ) 319 is salty and balanced. It mainly treats cold
damage, cold and heat, warm malaria with chills, and fright, indignation
and anger qi. It eliminates tuggings and slackenings, mouse fistulas, and,
in females, red and white vaginal discharge. Protracted taking may fortify
the bone joints, kill evil ghosts, and prolong life. Its other name is Li He
(Oyster Shell). It grows in pools and swamps.

319 Oyster Shell is able to soften hardness and transform phlegm, astringe and
clear heat, and disinhibit dampness. For that reason, it is a good medicinal for
scrofulas, nodes, concretions and conglomerations, seminal emission, flooding,
cough, copious sweating, vacuity taxation, vexatious fever, and intestinal efflux.
Wang Hao-gu said:

Conducted by Bupleurum, it may remove hardness in the rib-side region.
Conducted by Tea, it disperses nodes in the neck. Conducted by Rhubarb,
it disperses swelling in the thigh. With Rehmannia as its envoy, it boosts
and astringes the essence and stops frequent urination. With Fritillaria as
its envoy, it disperses accumulations and binding.

Chen Nian-zu gave an interesting account of the mechanism of the actions of
Oyster Shell when he said:

This substance is bestowed with the nature of both metal and water. When
cold damage transmits into the shao yang channel, it gives rise to alternating
cold and heat. This falls within the indications [of Oyster Shell]. Underlying
[these indications] is the qi of metal and water which is able to stop the
wandering wood fire. Warm malaria is a kind of malaria where there is
merely heat without cold. There is a heat disease of the yang ming channel,
which manifests slight cold in the back or rather aversion to cold. [Now]
fire is inclined to start up but cannot reach the channel. The reason why
Oyster Shell is used as a principal [medicinal for those cases] is to exploit
its metal qi [or autumn astringing qi] to resolve the intense summerheat
[meaning fire here]. Fright, indignation, and anger qi is governed by the
heart but starts in the liver. Oyster Shell is balanced in terms of qi. This
enables it to exert the action of metal so as to restrain wood. Its salty flavor
enables it to exert the action of water so as to overwhelm fire. Tuggings and
slackenings are a liver illness, and mouse fistulas are a fire depression
disease of the triple burner and gallbladder channel. The balanced [qi] of
Oyster Shell is able to restrain wind cold and overwhelm fire. Saltiness is
able to soften hardness

Li Yu Dan (Fel Cyprini Carpionis ) 320 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats eye
heat, redness, pain, and clear-eye blindness. It brightens the eyes.
Protracted taking may strengthen and boost the will and qi. [Carp] grow
in pools and swamps.

Feng Yu (Ophiocephalus Argus) is sweet and cold. It mainly treats damp
impediment and puffy swelling of the face and eyes. It precipitates great
water. 321 Its other name is Tong Yu (Copper Fish). It grows in pools and
swamps.

320 Carp Gall may treat swollen throat and throat impediment besides what is
explained in the text. It is said in the Tu Jing (Illustrated [Materia Medica] Classic) by
Su Jing of the Tang dynasty that the gall, flesh, bone, and teeth of the carp can all
be used as medicinals. The flesh disinhibits urination and treats foot qi water
swelling, night sweats, and jaundice. The bone ash treats bones stuck in the throat.
Nowadays, however, carp gall seems to be used the least often.

321 Great water means serious edema.

Animals: Middle Class

Xi Jiao (Cornu Rhinocerotis ) 322 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats the
hundreds of toxins, gu influx, evil ghosts, and miasmic qi, kills Lip-
hooking, 323 zhen feather, 324 and snake toxins, eliminates evils, and prevents
confusion and oppressive ghost dreams. Protracted taking may make the
body light. It is produced in rivers and valleys.

322 The actions of Rhinoceros Horn include cooling the heart and draining the
liver, clearing stomach heat, expelling wind and disinhibiting phlegm, anil
resolving toxins. Besides the indications in the text, this medicinal is often
prescribed for cold damage, jaundice, macular eruptions, blood ejection,
hemafecia, blood amassment delirium and mania, fright wind, and pox sores.
Rhinoceros Horn is a wonderful medicinal for clearing heat and cooling the blood.
The famous Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn & Rehmannia Decoction), for
example, is a very effective formula for heat damage giving rise to blood ejection,
nosebleed, hemafecia, and, in females, flooding and red strangury. Used alone,
Rhinoceros Horn is also able to treat fright epilepsy in children, loss of
consciousness, and food poisoning. However, because this medicinal is from a
severely endangered species, it should no longer be used. Instead, one can
substitute Cornu Bubali ( Shui Niu Jiao , Water Buffalo Horn) in larger doses.

323 This is the name of a fatally poisonous herb. However, here, it refers to all such
poisonous herbs in general. It is said that after even one bite of this herb, the
person will collapse on the spot as if their mouth were hooked by the herb.

324 The zhcti was a legendary bird which was believed to bo so poisonous that one
would be killed the moment one drank a drop of wine in which a feather of the
/hen had been dipped

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Animals: Middle Class

f

Ling Yang Jiao (Cornu Antelopis Saiga-tatarici ) 325 is salty and cold. It
mainly brightens the eyes, boosts the qi, lifts yin, removes malign blood
and downpour diarrhea, wards off gu toxins, vicious ghosts, and ill
matters, quiets the heart qi, and prevents oppressive ghost dreams.
Protracted taking may fortify the sinews and bones and make the body
light. It is produced in rivers and valleys.

Gu Yang Jiao (Cornu Caprae Seu Ovis ) 326 is salty and warm. It mainly
treats clear-eye blindness, brightens the eyes, kills scab worms, checks cold
diarrhea, keeps off malign ghosts and tigers and wolves, 327 and suppresses
fright palpitations. Protracted taking may quiet the heart, boost the qi, and
make the body light. It is produced in rivers and valleys.

Bai Ma Jing (Penis Equi Caballi Albi) is salty and balanced. It mainly
treats damaged center, expired pulse, and impotence. It fortifies the will,
boosts the qi, promotes the growth of the muscles and flesh, makes one fat
and strong, and makes pregnancy possible. The eyes [Oculus Equi Caballi]
mainly treat fright epilepsy, abdominal fullness, and malaria disease. The

325 This medicinal is mainly for troubles related to the liver and heart channels. It
precipitates the qi and downbears fire, resolves toxins and keeps off evils,
dissipates the blood and disperses stasis. It mainly treats mania, fright epilepsy,
hypertonicity, bone pain, mounting qi, and eye screen. Used singly, it may treat
dysphagia-occlusion and heat toxins hemafecia. It can also hasten delivery. If
administered after being burnt, it treats heart vexation and fullness due to blood
and qi counterflow, postpartum inability to recognize people, and dysentery in
children. When used in combination with other medicinals, it has an even wider
range of curative effects.

326 In his Ming Yi Bie Lu, Tao Hong-jing said, "It cures bound qi in the hundreds
of joints, wind headache, gu toxins, blood ejection, and postpartum pain in
women..." Goat Horn is usually used singly. It is seldom combined with other
medicinals. Stir-fried Goat Horn dust, for example, can treat wind giving rise to
heart vexation, abstraction, and abdominal pain or temporary faintness. Mixed
with egg whites, the hom ash can be applied to sudden red macular eruptions.

327 In the literature, we can find descriptions of how to bum Goat Hom to ward
off snakes with the smoke. However, the method of using this hom to keep away
beasts is unknown.

suspended hoof 328 mainly treats fright evils, tuggings and slackenings, and
difficult lactation. It keeps off malign qi, ghost toxins, gu influx, and ill
matters. [Horses] grow in plains and swamps.

Gou Yin Jing (Penis Canis) is salty and balanced. It mainly treats damaged
center and impotence, causes intense heat and pregnancy, and eliminates
the 12 diseases of vaginal discharge 329 in females. The gall [Fel Canis] 330
brightens the eyes. Another name [of the dog's penis] is Gou Jing (Dog
Essence). [Dogs] grow in plains and swamps.

Lu Rong (Cornu Parvum Cervi ) 331 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats
leaking of malign blood and cold and heat fright epilepsy. It boosts the qi,
fortifies the will, promotes the growth of the teeth, and prevents senility.

328 The identity of this medicinal is not clear.

This is a general term for various categories of women's disease. In premodem
times, sometimes any gynecological disease was spoken of as dai xia bing (literally,
below the belt disease).

330 D °g Gall may be used to treat nosebleed, scarring sores, malign sores, deep-
source nasal congestion, nasal polyps, blood stasis caused by falls and knocks, and
incised wounds. To treat eye diseases, one may administer it with wine.

331 This medicinal supplements the essence and boosts the qi, fortifies the sinews
and strengthens the bones. It is a good medicinal for pain in the lumbus and knees,
dizziness, blurred vision, flooding, seminal emission, and all kinds of vacuity
taxation. In his explanation of this passage. Ye Gui said:

When the liver cannot store the blood, the spleen will be unable to govern
the blood. In consequence, leaking of malign blood arises. Velvet Deerhom
is warm of qi and, as such, is able to reach the liver. Because it is sweet in
flavor, it can support the spleen. For that reason, it is a remedy for this
condition. Cold and heat fright epilepsy is fright epilepsy complicated by
cold and heat. When there is liver blood vacuity, the liver qi will be
hyperactive and bring turbidity fire upward. Because Velvet Deerhorn
nourishes the blood and abducts fire, it checks fright epilepsy and
[accompanyingl cold and heat...

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The horn [Cornu Cervi ] 332 mainly treats malign sores, welling abscesses,
and swellings and expels evil malign qi and lodged blood in the genitals.

F« Yi (Vesperugo Noctula ) 333 is salty and balanced. It mainly treats heavy
eyes, brightens the eyes, and furnishes them with spirit light at night.
Protracted taking may make one happy, elevated, and worry-free. Its other
name is Bian Fu (Flat Wing). It grows in the rivers and valleys of Tai Shan.

Wei Pi (Pellis Erinacei ) 334 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats the five
[kinds of] hemorrhoids, genital erosion, red and white blood precipitation
[i.e., dysentery], incessant hemafecia of the five colors, and genital swelling
and pain radiating to the upper and lower back. One should kill [the
hedgehog] by boiling it in wine [in order to remove its skin]. It grows in
rivers and valleys.

Shi Long Zi (Eumeces Seu Sphenomorphus) is salty and cold. It mainly
treats the five dribbling urinary stoppages and evil bound qi, breaks stone
strangury, precipitates the blood, and disinhibits urination and the water

332 Deerhorn (Lu Jiao) has nearly the same actions as Velvet Deerhom (Lu Rong),
and, since it is much cheaper, it is often substituted for the latter. When
administered unprocessed, it treats malaria in children and dream intercourse with
ghosts. After being ground with vinegar, it is able to disperse swelling toxins and
bedsores. When powdered, it treats fractures and injured sinews. After being
cooked, it boosts the essence, supplements the kidneys, and quickens the blood.
Therefore, it is used to treat frequent urination, lower burner wasting thirst, and
pain in the lumbar spine. Mixed with pig fat, it can heal all sorts of cinnabar toxins.
After being ground in water, it disperses swelling toxins.

333 Bat is said to be a remedy for any category of strangury besides what is
explained in the text. In ancient times, bats were worshipped as a divine medicinal
and were described as having some miraculous effects. Some Daoists took bat eyes
and gall in the hope of acquiring special physical abilities, particularly good
eyesight and night vision.

334 Hedgehog Pelt has the actions of cooling the blood, opening the stomach, and
a strin gin g. In addition to those indications mentioned in tire text, it is a wonderful
remedy for any kind of seminal emission, including dream emission, vacuity or
repletion emission, and seminal efflux.

Animals: Middle Class

passageways. Its other name is Xi Yi (Rare Snake). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca Mantidis ) 335 is salty and balanced. It mainly
treats damaged center, mounting conglomeration, and impotence. It boosts
the essence, makes pregnancy possible, [cures] blood block and lumbago
in females, frees the five stranguries, and disinhibits urination and the
water passageways. It grows on mulberry twigs. It should be steamed after
being collected [for use]. Its other name is Shi You (Eroding Wart).

Zhai Chan (Cicada ) 336 is salty and cold. It mainly treats fright epilepsy and
night crying in children, madness, and cold and heat. It grows in poplar
and willow trees.

Bai Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus ) 337 is salty. It mainly treats fright
epilepsy and night crying in children, removes three [kinds of] worms, and
eliminates black patches on the face, thus making the facial complexion
attractive, and genital sores in males. It grows in plains and swamps.

Mu Mang (Tabanus Trigonus) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats sore,
red eyes, injured canthi, tearing, blood stasis, blood block, cold and heat.

335 Mantis Egg-case is able to boost the essence and secure the kidneys. Nowadays,
it is mainly used for children's bed-wetting, seminal emission, and frequent
urination. For these purposes, it can be used singly. A famous formula with Mantis
Egg-case as the sovereign ingredient is called Sang Piao Xiao San (Mantis Egg-Case
Powder). It is capable of quieting the heart and spirit, improving memory, and
astringing frequent voidings of urine.

336 Cicada per se is seldom used. Instead, Chan Tui (Periostracum Cicadae), which
has the same actions, is prescribed to treat intense fevers, eye screen, and slow
progression or non-eruption of papules in addition to what is discussed in the text
above.

337 Bai Jiang Can refers to Silkworm killed by fungus. It is now considered acrid
and salty in flavor and slightly warm of qi. It is able to expel wind and transform
phlegm, dissipate binding and move the channels. It is often used in wind stroke
with loss of voice, head wind, toothache, throat impediment, cinnabar toxins, itchy
sores, fistulas. Hooding and vaginal discharge, fright epilepsy, gan, and difficult
lactation. In addition, it m able to eliminate scars.

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aching, and infertility. Its other name is Hun Chang (Constant Soul). It
grows in rivers and swamps.

Fei Mang (Tabanus Bovinus) is bitter and slightly cold. It mainly expels
blood stasis, breaks precipitating blood [sic ], 338 accumulations, hard
glomus, concretions and conglomerations with cold and heat, and frees
and disinhibits the blood vessels and the nine orifices. It grows in rivers
and valleys.

Fei Lian (Stylopyga Conucina) is salty. It mainly treats blood stasis,
concretions and hardness with cold and heat, breaks gatherings and
accumulations, and [cures] throat impediment and internal cold infertility.
It grows in rivers and swamps.

Qi Cao (Holotrichia Diomphalia) is salty and slightly warm. It mainly
treats malign blood, blood stasis, and impediment qi, breaks decayed
blood in the rib-side giving rise to fullness and pain, and [cures] menstrual
block, outcrop, green-blue screen, and white membrane in the eye. Its
other name is Fen Qi (Mound Worm). It grows in plains and swamps.

Kuo Yu (Limax) is salty and cold. It mainly treats bandit wind [giving rise
to] deviated eyes and mouth, cramps, prolapse of the rectum, fright
epilepsy, and hypertonicity. Its other name is Ling Li (Mound Woodworm).
It grows in pools and swamps.

Hat Ge (Concha Cyclinae Sinensis ) 339 is bitter and balanced. It mainly
treats cough and counterflow qi ascent, panting, vexatious fullness, chest
pain, and cold and heat. Its other name is Kui Ge (Bulky Shell). It grows in

338 The text seems to be garbled here. This line probably should read,
"precipitating the blood and breaking hard gatherings..."

339 The current name of this medicinal is (Hai) Ge Fen, Clam Shell Powder. It has
the same actions as Mu Li (Concha Ostreae). It treats chest pain, vexatious fullness,
water qi puffy swelling, cough and panting, impotence, flooding and vaginal
discharge, goiters and tumors, and hemorrhoids. In addition, it quenches thirst and
resolves hangover. Wen Ge is a particular species of Hai Ge. It may be Cythica
Meretrix, Psammobia, or Sunetta Excavata. It seems to have a wider range of
actions than Hai Ge. For example, sores are also included under its indications.

Animals: Middle Class _

pools and swamps. Wen Ge (Concha Cythircae Meretricis) mainly treats
malign sores and the five [kinds of] eroding hemorrhoids.

Gut Jta (Plastrum Testudinis ) 340 is salty and balanced. It mainly treats red
and white leaking, breaks concretions and conglomerations, and [cures]
malaria, the five hemorrhoids, genital erosion, damp impediment,
heaviness and weakness of the limbs, and non-closure of the fontanel in
children. Protracted taking may make the body light and free from hunger

Its other name is Shen Wu (God House). It is produced in pools and
swamps.

Bie Jia (Carapax Amydae Sinensis ) 341 is salty and balanced. It mainly
treats heart and abdominal concretions and conglomerations and hard

. V, V ," ent name ot th,s medicinal is Gui Ban. It supplements the heart and
boosts the kidneys, ennches yin and dears heat. Besides those illnesses listed in the
ext, it treats blood vacuity, taxation fever, steaming bones, pain in the lumbus and
legs, enduring cough, endurmg malaria, and concretions and conglomerations It
is a wonderful medicinal for yin vacuity and blood debility. Chen Nian-zhu said:

All people say that it greatly supplements true water and, therefore, ranks
first in divinely yin-enriching medicinals. In my opinion, this is [only] a
view. Generally speaking, animals with shells are all attributed to yin and
assuch, are able to eliminate heat. Those growing in water are all capable
of dismhibitmg dampness. Shells [also] correspond to metal and, therefore
are able to whittle away hardness. '

To enrich yin Tortoise Plastron can be administered for a long time, usually in the
p™ , of S elatin - Jo treat steaming bones, it is prescribed together with
Phellodendron and Anemarrhena. To supplement both yin and yang, one may use
it in combination with Deerhom. If it is used together with Biota Leaves and
yperus, ^ dissipates depression and binding. In case of nonmovement of the
coccyx in childbirth, one may administer it together with carbonized Human Hair
Dang Gui, and Ligusticum Wallichium.

2c T “ rtle S hel1 has nearly the same actions as Tortoise Plastron but is more
echve. It supplements yin, dissipates binding, and clears heat. Turtle Shell is
™" d ’ n v a .. Rrea ! many P rov , en formulas. As a group, internally, these formulas
treat taxation damage, malaria, lumbago, difficult delivery, concretions and
conglomerations, and intestinal abscess, and, externally, they cure hemorrhoids,
prolapse of the rectum, and genital swelling and sores.

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accumulations with cold and heat. It removes glomus, polyps, genital
erosion, hemorrhoids, and malign flesh. It is produced in pools and
swamps.

Tuo Yu Jia (Squama Alligator Sinensis) is acrid and slightly warm. It
mainly treats heart and abdominal concretions and conglomerations, deep-
lying hard accumulations and gatherings, cold and heat, flooding and
blood precipitation of the five colors in females, contracting pain between
the lower abdomen and genitals, sores, scabs, and dead muscles. It is
produced in pools and swamps.

Wu Zei Yu Gu (Os Sepiae Seu Sepiellae ) 342 is salty and slightly warm. It
mainly cures women's leaking, red and white menses, blood block, genital
erosion, swelling and pain, cold and heat, concretions and conglomera¬
tions, and infertility. It is produced in pools and swamps.

Xie (Eriocheir Sinensis ) 343 is salty and cold. It mainly treats evil qi in the
chest, bound heat pain, deviated mouth and eyes, and swollen face. It
overcomes lacquer [toxins]. When burnt, it may attract mice. It grows in
pools and swamps.

342 The current name of this medicinal is Hai Piao Xiao . Squid Bone frees the flow
of the blood vessels, expels cold dampness, and enriches desiccated blood. Besides
the indications discussed in the text, it is also effective for purulent ear and eye
diseases such as eye screen.

343 This refers to fresh water crabs. According to the text, the whole of the crab is
used as a medicinal. In present-day clinical practice, its flesh, shell, eggs, and
chelae are all prescribed as separate medicinals. However, the only one of these
frequently used is Crab Chelae. This is often administered to induce abortion or
hasten delivery. Sometimes Crab Eggs are applied to heal lacquer sort's.

\?h

Animals: Middle Class

Xia Ma (Bufo Bufo ) 344 is acrid and cold. It mainly treats evil qi, breaks
concretions, hardness, and the blood and [heals] welling abscesses and
swellings and genital sores. Taking it may prevent febrile diseases. It
grows in pools and swamps.

The current name of this medicinal is Chan Chu. One should note that in
modern Chinese, Xia Ma is frog. Nowadays whole toad is seldom prescribed
Instead, Chan Su (Secretio Bufonis) is often used. Chan Su is efficacious for various
sores, including clow sores, and for children's gan in general and brain gan in
particular. I lu> symptoms of brain gan include head sores, fever, loss of hair, dry
nosr, p«m hctl lips, .in. I Instrrlivss eyes. 7 7

Animals: Inferior Class

Liu Chu Mao Ti fia (Hair & Hooves of the Six Species of Domesticated
Animals ) 345 are salty and balanced. It mainly treats demonic influx, gu
toxins, cold and heat, fright epilepsy, withdrawal, tetany, and manic
running about. The hair of the camel is particularly good [for the above
diseases].

Lei Shu (Trogopterus Seu Pteromys ) 346 mainly induces abortion and makes
delivery smooth.

Mi Zhi (Adeps Elaphuri Davidiani ) 347 is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
welling abscesses and swellings, malign sores, dead muscles, cold wind

345 It seems odd to the translator that the author discusses the six species of
domesticated animals in a single lump since some parts of them are discussed in
the previous and following passages. The six categories of animals referred to are
the horse, cow, sheep, pig, dog, and chicken. However, it seems that other
domesticated animals are also referred to here, for example, the camel. Unlike this
classic, later materia medica usually treat the six categories of animals in terms of
their parts under separate headings. Since this work deals with them
indiscriminately, we cannot tell exactly what is the medical effect of a particular
part of a particular animal. In addition, we cannot tell whether the claws and
feathers of the chicken should be included under "hooves and hair."

346 Because this passage is so short, lacking even the origin of the medicinal, it is
probable that it has been corrupted from the original. In an annotation on this
passage, Tao Hong-jing said, "Make the birthing woman hold the pelt of the flying
squirrel and she will have smooth delivery."

347 Various parts of the David's Deer (or Mi Lu), such as the hom and bone, were
more commonly used as separate medicinals than the flesh. In modem clinical
practice, however, none of these are often prescribed because this species of deer
has long been neat l<> rvtnu lion.

f

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

damp impediment, hypertonicity and loss of use of the limbs, head wind,
and swelling qi. It frees the interstices. Its other name is Gong Zhi (Palace
Fat). It is produced in mountains and valleys.

Tun Nuan (Testes Suis ) 348 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats fright
epilepsy, madness, demonic influx, and gu toxins. It eliminates cold and
heat, running piglet, the five dribbling urinary blocks, evil qi, and [muscle]
contracture. The hind shoes [i.e., the outer part of the foot] mainly treats
the five [kinds of] hemorrhoids, hidden heat in the intestines, intestinal
abscess, and internal erosion. [Pig Testes] are also called Tun Dian (Pig
Summit).

Yan Shi (Excrementum Hirundi Rusticae Gutturalis) is acrid and
balanced. It mainly treats gu toxins and demonic influx, expels ill matters
and evil qi, breaks the five dribbling urinary blocks, and disinhibits
urination. It is produced in high mountains and low valleys . 349

Tian Shu Shi (Excrementum Verpertilionis Murini ) 350 is acrid and cold.
It mainly treats welling abscesses and swelling of the face and eyes,
continual pain in the skin, and blood qi in the abdomen. It breaks
accumulations and gatherings with cold and heat and eliminates fright
epilepsy. Its other name is Shu Gu (Mouse Droppings). Yet another name
is Shi Gan (Stone Liver). It is produced in the mountains and valleys of He
Pu . 351

348 There is no consensus in China about the identity of this medicinal. Li Shi-zhen
thought it to be the testicles of the young pig, while another view says it is none
other than the young pig itself.

349 Swallows usually build their nests in houses, not in mountains and valleys.

350 The current name of this medicinal is Ye Ming Sha. Its actions include
quickening the blood and brightening the eyes. In modem prescriptions, it is
mainly used to treat eye diseases, like night blindness, screen, and obstruction.
Nevertheless, the other indications listed in the text are valid.

351 This is a place in present-day Guangdong Province.

Animals: Inferior Class

Lu Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae ) 352 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
fright epilepsy, diggings and slackenings, cold and heat, evil qi, madness,
ghost essence, gu toxins, and intestinal hemorrhoids . 353 It is better if it is
baked [for use]. Its other name is Feng Chang (Wasp Hovel). It is produced
in mountains and valleys.

Hua Ji (Mecopoda Elongata) is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats heart
and abdominal evil qi and impotence, boosts the essence, fortifies the will,
makes pregnancy possible, and renders the facial complexion attractive. It
supplements the center and makes the body light. It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Zhe Chong (Eupolyphaga Seu Opisthoplatia ) 354 is salty and cold. It mainly
treats heart and abdominal continual cold and heat, blood accumulation,
and concretions and conglomerations. It breaks hardness and precipitates
blood block. The offspring is usually good . 355 Its other name is Di Bie
(Underground Tortoise). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Shut Zhi (Hirudo Seu Whitmania) is salty and balanced. It mainly expels
malign blood, blood stasis, and menstrual block, breaks blood

352 Administration of this medicinal together with Snake Slough and carbonized
Human Hair can heal deep-to-the-bone flat abscesses (fu gu ju). To treat fistulas,
one may mix it with pig fat and apply. After it is boiled in lime water, it can cure
jealous milk. This is an illness due to too copious milk or retained milk in the
breast. It is characterized by swelling and pain in the breast with tangible nodes.
In addition, it may treat double tongue, toothache, and impotence. Nowadays, it
is mainly used for scrofulas. It can also make bathwater to treat sudden epilepsy
in children. Bathe the ill child in it, and the child will be relieved of the disease
immediately.

353 I.e., anal swelling and suppuration

354 Wingless Cockroach is particularly good at breaking lodged blood and
gatherings and accumulations, dispersing swelling, and promoting lactation. It
also treats swollen tongue. In terms of the source of this insect, it actually grows
everywhere.

The Chinese is s hmg n tin Hung, The meaning of this phrase is rather confusing.
Its literal translation is, "|ll| gives birth to a greatly good child."

Ill

130

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I

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

conglomerations, accumulations and gatherings, [treats] infertility [due to
blood stasis], and disinhibits the water passageways. It grows in lakes and
swamps.

Shi Can (Phryganea Japonica) is sour. It is nontoxic. It mainly treats the
five dribbling urinary blocks, breaks stone strangury, and induces
abortion. Its flesh 356 resolves bound qi, disinhibits the water passageways,
and eliminates heat. Its other name is Sha Shi (Sand Louse). It grows in
pools and swamps.

She Tui (Exuviae Serpentis ) 357 is salty and balanced. It mainly treats the
120 categories of fright epilepsy, and tuggings and slackenings in children,
and madness, cold and heat, intestinal hemorrhoids, worm toxins, and
snake epilepsy. It is better if it is baked [for use]. Its other name is Long Zi
Yi (Robe of the Baby Dragon). Yet another name is She Fu (Snake
Talisman). It is also called Long Zi Dan Yi (Shirt of the Baby Dragon) and
Gong Pi (Bow Cover). It is produced in rivers and valleys.

Wu Gong (Scolopendra Subspinipes ) 358 is acrid and warm. It mainly
treats demonic influx, gu toxins, and snake, worm, and fish toxins. It kills
demonic matters, [treats] old essence and warm malaria, and removes the
three [kinds of] worms. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Ma Lu (Prospirobolus Johannsis) is acrid and warm. It mainly treats
large-sized hard concretions, breaks accumulations and gatherings, and

356 Because this insect is very small, it must be very difficult to separate its flesh.
Hence, the translator suspects that there is something wrong with this passage.

357 Snake Slough effuses the exterior, expels wind, resolves toxins, and removes

eye screen. It is used to treat fright epilepsy, wind malaria, throat impediment,

double tongue, lockjaw, sores, and hemorrhoids. It is often burned and powdered
for use to treat external troubles like malign sores and throat impediment.

358 Centipede is a good medicinal for expelling wind, killing parasites, and
inducing abortion. To treat cinnabar toxin tumor, one may mix powdered
Centipede with Alum, Omphalia, and Radix Stemonae (Bai Bu ). To treat clenched
jaw in newborns, administer stir-fried Centipede powder mixed with pig milk.

132

__ Animals: Inferior Class _

[heals] polyps, malign sores, and white bald scalp sores. Its other name is
Bai Zu (Hundred Feet). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Yt Weng (Eumenes Pomifomis) is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats
enduring deafness, cough and counterflow, and toxic qi. It helps extract
thorns [in the flesh] and promotes sweating. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Que Weng (Cocoon of Monema Flavescens) is sweet and balanced. It
mainly treats fright epilepsy in children, cold and heat bound qi, gu toxins,
and demonic influx. Its other name is Zao She (Agitating House).

Bi Zi (Rana Nigromaculata) 59 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats evil qi
in the abdomen and it removes the three [kinds of] worms, snakebite
[toxins], gu toxins, demonic influx, and hidden corpse.

Shu Fu (Armadillidium Vulgare) is sour and warm. It mainly treats qi
dribbling urinary block, menstrual block and blood conglomeration in
females, epilepsy, tetany, and cold and heat. It disinhibits the water
passageways. Its other name is Pan Fu (Crooked Woman). Yet another
name is Yi Wei (Woman's Dignity). It grows in plains and valleys.

Ying Huo (Luciola Vitticollis) is acrid and slightly warm. It mainly
brightens the eyes, [heals] fire sores and bums in children, and [treats] heat
qi, gu toxins, and demonic influx. It [also] frees the spirit essence. 360 Its
other name is Ye Guang (Night Light). It grows in pools and swamps.

Yi Yu (Lepisma Saccharina) is salty and warm. It is nontoxic, mainly
treating mounting conglomeration in females, inhibited urination, and
wind stroke with rigidity of the neck in children. [To treat the above,] it

The identity of this medicinal is uncertain. There are various speculations about
it. One of them even suggests that it is Fei Zi (Semen Torreyae), saying it is not an
animal or part of an animal at all. Some specialists believe it to be Xia Ma (Bufo
Bufo).

Spirit essence here means the eyes. Therefore, this sentence implies that the

hi refly m.iy in.ike I lie bright.

m

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

should be rubbed [over the affected area]. Its other name is Bai Yu (White
Fish). It grows in plains and swamps.

Bai Jing Qiu Yin (Lumbricus ) 361 is salty and cold. It mainly treats snake
[toxins] and conglomerations. It removes the three [kinds of] worms,
hidden corpse, demonic influx, and gu toxins, and it kills long worms [i.e.,
tapeworms]. It transforms back into water by itself. 362 It grows in the earth
in the plains.

Lou Gu (Gryllotalpa Africana ) 363 is salty and cold. It mainly treats difficult
delivery, helps extract thorns in the flesh, opens welling abscesses and
swellings, precipitates [bones] stuck in the throat and dysphagia, resolves
toxins, and eliminates malign sores. Those that are caught crawling out are
better. Its other name is Hui Gu (Gentle Ant). Yet another name is Tian Lou
(Celestial Chirping Insect). It is also called Gu (Digger). It grows in plains
and swamps.

Qiang Lang (Geotrupes Laesistriatus) is salty and cold. It mainly treats
fright epilepsy, tuggings and slackenings, abdominal distention, cold and
heat in children, and withdrawal and mania in adults. It is better if baked

361 The current name of this medicinal is Di Long (Earth Dragon). In the name in
this text, the characters Bai Jing mean white neck. This suggests that one should use
old Earthworms as medicinals. Besides the indications listed in the text,
Earthworms can treat warm disease with intense fever and delirium, wind stroke,
epilepsy, throat impediment, and febrile disease.

362 This implies that if the Earthworm is salted and exposed to the sun, it will
immediately give off copious fluids.

363 Tao Hong-jing said in his annotation to this passage:

Its upper part is rather astringing and, therefore, mainly stops urination
and defecation [i.e., enuresis and diarrhea]. Its lower part is rather
lubricating and, therefore, mainly precipitates the urine and stools. To
extract thorns in the flesh, its brain is usually used.

In the Sheng Hui Fang (Sagelike Prescriptions from the Great Grace Era) compiled by
Chen Zhao-yu and Wang Huai-yin in 992 CE, this medicinal is said to be able to
cure all categories of water disease, including strangury.

1T4

Animals: Inferior Class

[for use]. Its other name is Jie Qiang (Strong Feet). It grows in pools and
swamps.

Ban Mao (Mylabris) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats cold and heat,
demonic influx, gu toxins, mouse fistulas, malign sores, flat abscesses and
erosion, and dead muscles. [In addition,] it breaks stone dribbling urinary
block. 364 Its other name is Long Wei (Dragon Tail). It grows in rivers and
valleys.

Di Dan (Meloe Coartatus) is acrid and cold. It mainly treats demonic
influx, cold and heat, mouse fistulas, malign sores, and dead muscles. It
breaks concretions and conglomerations and induces abortion. Its other
name is Yuan Qing (Original Green-blue). It grows in rivers and valleys.

Ma Dao (Mactra Quandrangularis) is acrid and slightly cold. It is toxic,
mainly treating leaking and red and white [vaginal discharge] and cold
and heat. It breaks stone strangury and kills fowl, beasts, and bandit mice.
It grows in pools and swamps.

Bei Zi (Cypraea Macula ) 365 is salty and balanced. It mainly treats eye
screen, demonic influx, gu toxins, and abdominal pain. It precipitates the
blood, [heals] the five dribbling urinary blocks, and disinhibits the water
passageways. It is better if burnt [for use]. It grows in pools and swamps.

This may refer to stone strangury or urinary lithiasis in modern terms.

This is a species ot shellfish which is very small. However, it may include
several different subspecies, like ( ypraea Moneta, Cypraea Zicraea, and Cypraea
Asellus.

I I'.

Fruits and Vegetables: Superior Class

Pu Tao (Fructus Viticis Viniferae) is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
sinew and bone damp impediment, boosts the qi, doubles the [physical]
force, fortifies the will, makes one fat, strong, and able to endure hunger
and wind cold. Protracted taking may make the body light and never
senile and prolong life. It can be made into wine. It grows in mountains
and valleys.

Peng Lei (Fructus Rubi Chingii) is sour and balanced. It mainly quiets the
five viscera, boosts the essence qi, promotes the growth of and strengthens
yin, fortifies the will, doubles [physical] force, and makes pregnancy
possible. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent senility.
Its other name is Fu Pen (Upside-down Basin). It grows in plains and
swamps.

Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae ) 366 is sweet and balanced. It mainly

366 Among the many actions of this medicinal recorded in the Chinese materia
medica literature to date, the most important ones are to nourish the spleen and
boost the lungs and stomach. The spleen and lungs govern all the qi throughout
the body, while the spleen also governs all the blood. Since this medicinal is able
to harmonize the blood and qi, it is good for almost any condition. Generally
speaking, Red Dates, which are sweet, are relaxing and moderating. Although they
are able to disinhibit the nine orifices, they work temperately and slowly. When
helped by the acrid of Ginger, their relaxing effect is modified. Ginger rules the
defensive, while Red Dates govern the constructive. Thus the combination of the
two harmonizes the constructive and defensive. Hence, we can find these two
medicinals side by side in many formulas. When discussing the effects of Red
Dates, Zou Shu said:

When cold evils strike a person, the central qi may be too insufficient to
expel them. I bis is because there is shortage of qi. When heat evils strike

(continued...)

1:17

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

treats heart and abdominal evil qi, quiets the center and nourishes the
spleen, assists the 12 channels, levels the stomach qi, frees the nine orifices,
supplements shortage of qi, shortage of fluids, and insufficiency of the
body, [eliminates] great fright and heaviness of the limbs, and harmonizes
hundreds of medicinals. Protracted taking may make the body light and
lengthen life. Together with Herba Ephedrae, its leaf [Folium Zizyphi
Jujubae] is able to promote sweating. It grows in plains and swamps.

Ou Shi Jing (Semen Et Nodus Rhizomatis Nelumbinis Nuciferae ) 367 is

366 (...continued)

a person, the central qi may [also] be too insufficient to expel them. This is
because there is shortage of fluids. When the pulse is bound and regularly
interrupted and there is stirring palpitations of the heart, this is because of
insufficiency of the qi of the 12 channels. When fire counterflows with qi
ascent, there will arise inhibited throat, insufficiency of fluids, unbalanced
stomach qi, and disharmony of the nine orifices. Thanks to their
magnificent action of quieting the center, [Red Dates] are able to put an end
to chaotic qi. Then great fright will be eliminated. Thanks to their
magnificent action of pushing and moving the 12 channels, the channel qi
will be set in motion without any more stagnation. Then heaviness of the
limbs will be eliminated. Red Dates are allowed into a dissipating
prescription in order to quiet the center, nourish the spleen, and level the
stomach. In supplementing prescriptions, they may also be found for the
purpose of assisting the channel qi to eliminate evil qi. This is what is
meant by their ability to harmonize hundreds of medicinals.

367 The current name of Semen Nelumbinis Nuciferae is Lian Zi or Lian Rou and
that of Nodus Rhizomatis Nelumbinis Nuciferae is Ou or Ou Jie. In modem
prescriptions, they have different actions. Lotus Seed fortifies the spleen and the
stomach and quiets the heart and spirit. It is used to treat noninteraction between
the heart and kidneys, enduring dysentery, seminal emission, turbid urine,
flooding, vaginal discharge, and other blood troubles. Ye Gui explained:

Being sweet in flavor and balanced of qi, it supplements the center. Because
it is fragrant and hence able to clear the heart, it nurtures the spirit.
Sweetness and balanced [qi] may boost the spleen and lungs. Therefore, it
boosts the physical force. The heart is the governor of the 12 organs. So
long as the governor is quiet, the 12 organs are quiet. It follows that none
of tiie hundreds of diseases can persist.

(continued...)

Fruits and Vegetables: Superior Class _

sweet and balanced. It mainly supplements the center and nourishes the
spirit, boosts the qi and [physical] force, and eliminates hundreds of
diseases. Protracted taking may make the body light, slow aging, make one
free from hunger, and prolong life. Its other name is Shui Zhi (Water
Ganomdera). It grows in pools and swamps.

Ji Tou (Semen Euryalis Ferocis ) 368 is sweet and balanced. It mainly treats
damp impediment and pain in the lumbar spine and knees, supplements
the center, eliminates hundreds of diseases, boosts the essence qi, fortifies
the will, and sharpens the ears and eyes. Protracted taking may make the
body light and free from hunger, and slow aging to make one an immortal.

Gan Gua Zi (Semen Benincasae Hispidae ) 369 is sweet and balanced. It
mainly renders the facial complexion shiny and attractive, boosts the qi,
and makes one free from hunger. Protracted taking may make the body

367 (...continued)

Lotus Root cools the blood and dissipates stasis, eliminates vexation and quenches
thirst. It is often used to staunch blood ejection and nosebleed and cure strangury
and dysentery. In fact, it is a remedy for any troubles related to blood.

369 The current name of this medicinal is Qian Shi. It secures the kidneys and
boosts the essence, supplements the spleen and eliminates dampness. It is a good
medicinal for original yang vacuity and cold, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, turbid
urine, urinary incontinence, dream seminal emission, seminal efflux, and cold pain
in the lumbus and knees. When combined with Cuscuta Seed, it solidifies the
stools. Together with Rehmannia, it cures all sorts of bleeding. Shui Lu Er Xian Gao
(Water & Land Immortals Paste), composed of Cherokee Rose Fruit besides
Euryales Seed, is an effective formula for kidney cold, seminal emission, and
vaginal discharge.

369 The Chinese word gan means sweet. Therefore, this medicinal should be Melon
Seed (Semen Curcumeris). However, some distinguished scholars, such as Su Jing
who lived in the Tang dynasty, have thought otherwise, identifying it as Dong Gua
Zi (Semen Benincasae Hispidae). Dong Gua Zi is able to eliminate vexation,
fullness, melancholy, the five taxations and seven damages, and enduring sores.
In addition, it is also able to brighten the eyes and moisten the skin to render the
facial complexion attractive. Gua Di, although standing side by side with Semen
Benincasae I lispidae in the same passage, is undoubtedly Pediculus Curcumeris.
Melon Stalk now is mainly used as an emetic to treat wind phlegm, abiding food.

l.'W

ITH

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

light and slow aging. Gua Di (Pediculus Curcumeris) is bitter and cold. It
mainly treats great water [giving rise to] puffy swelling of the trunk, face,
and limbs. It precipitates water, kills gu toxins, and [suppresses] cough and
counterflow qi ascent. It provokes ejection to precipitate diseases located
in the chest and abdomen due to nondispersion of various fruits. Its other
name is Tu Zhi (Earth Ganoderma). These grow in plains and swamps.

DongKui Zi (Semen Abutilonis Seu Malvae) is sweet and cold. It mainly
treats cold and heat, languor and emaciation due to the five viscera and six
bowels, breaks the five stranguries, and disinhibits urination. Protracted
taking may fortify the bones, promote the growth of the muscles and flesh,
make the body light, and prolong life.

Xian Shi (Semen Amaranthi ) 370 is sweet and cold. It mainly treats dear-
eye blindness, brightens the eyes, eliminates evils, disinhibits urination and
defecation, and relieves cold and heat. Protracted taking may boost the qi
and [physical] force and make one free from hunger and the body light. Its
other name is Ma Xian (Horse Wild Herb). It grows in plains and swamps.

Ku Cai (Herba Sonchi Oleracei) is bitter and cold. It mainly treats evils in
five viscera, aversion to grain, and stomach impediment. Protracted
taking may quiet the heart, boost the qi, sharpen the senses, lessen sleep,
make the body light, and slow aging. Its other name is Tu Cao (Rampant
Weed). Yet another name is Xuan (Choice). It grows in rivers and valleys.

370 This plant should not be confused with Ma Chi Xian (Portulaca Oleracea)
although their Chinese names sound similar.

140

Fruits and Vegetables: Middle Class

Xing Tao (Fructus Pruni Pseudocerasi) is sweet and balanced. It is
nontoxic, mainly regulating the center and boosting the spleen qi. It may
render the facial complexion attractive and glorify one's will. 371

Mei Shi (Fructus Pruni Mume ) 372 is sour and balanced. It mainly
precipitates the qi, eliminates heat and vexatious fullness, quiets the heart,
[relieves] pain in the limbs, hemilateral withering with insensitivity, and
dead muscles, and removes green-blue and black moles and malign
diseases. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Liao Shi (Fructus Polygoni Hydropiperis) is acrid and warm. It mainly
brightens the eyes, warms the center, helps endure wind cold, precipitates
water qi to treat puffy swelling of the face and eyes, and [heals] welling
abscesses and sores. Ma Liao (Herba Polygoni Blumei) eliminates leeches
from the intestines and makes the body light. [They] grow in rivers and
valleys.

371 If rendered connotatively, the word zhi (will) means intention, desire, or
aspiration. Among fruits. Cherry ripens earliest in the year. Therefore, in olden
times, it was regarded the best of the fruits as a sacrifice to the gods, i.e., a first
fruit. This may be what is implied in this phrase.

372 The current name is Wu Mei. It astringes the lung qi and intestines, generates
fluids and quenches thirst, resolves hangover and kills parasites. In his Ri Hua Zi,
Da Ming of the Tang dynasty, said, "It treats steaming bones and eliminates
vexation and oppression, hemilateral withering, and insensitivity of the skin." To
treat blood dysentery, it should be combined with Coptis and Terra Flava Usta. If
it is prescribed together with Ginger and Shen Qu (Massa Medica Fermentata), it
treats intermittent dysentery. After being boiled, it is able to cure intense heart and
abdominal distention and pain. There is a formula called Wu Mei Wan (Mume
fills) composed ol nothing hut Mume. It is good for roundworm reversal with
cold limbs and ^rcal abdominal pain.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Fruits and Vegetables: Middle Class

Cong Shi (Semen Allii Fistulosi ) 373 is acrid and warm. It mainly brightens
the eyes and supplements center insufficiency. The stalk [Bulbus Allii
Fistulosi], which can be made into soup, mainly treats cold damage cold
and heat. It promotes sweating and [cures] wind stroke swollen face and
eyes. Xie Bai (Bulbus Allii) 374 is acrid and mainly treats incised wounds and
suppurating wounds. It may make the body light and [the taker] free from
hunger and slow aging. [They] grow in plains and swamps.

Shut Su (Herba Stachydis Baicalensis ) 375 is acrid and slightly warm. It
mainly precipitates the qi, kills [*.£., disperses] grain, gets rid of bad breath,
eliminates toxins, and keeps off malign qi. 376 Protracted taking may enable
one to communicate with the spirit light, make the body light, and slow
aging. It grows in pools and swamps.

^ In modern prescriptions, Chinese Scallion Seed is rarely if ever used as a
medicinal, but Cong Bai (Bulbus Allii Fistulosi) is in wide use. When discussing the
actions of Cong Bai, Tao Hong-jing said:

It mainly treats bone and flesh pain in cold damage and throat impediment j

with block. It quiets the fetus, brightens the eyes, eliminates evil qi in the
liver, quiets the center, disinhibits the five viscera, boosts the eye essence,
and resolves the toxins of hundreds of medicinals.

|

374 Xie (Allium Macrostemum) is acrid and bitter in flavor and warm of qi. In most
cases, Xie Bai (Bulbus Allii) is used. Xie treats chest impediment pain, diarrhea,
dysentery, panting, scalds, and sores. Besides, it is often used to treat bones stuck
in the throat and the swallowing of foreign substances.

375 In addition to the indications discussed in the text, this medicinal also treats
various blood troubles, such as blood ejection, hemafecia, and flooding and
leaking.

376 Here, malign qi means bad breath.

Xing He (Semen Pruni Armeniacae ) 377 is sweet and warm. It mainly treats
cough and counterflow qi ascent, thunderous rumbling [of the intestines],
and throat impediment. It precipitates the qi, promotes lactation, and
[heals] incised wounds, cold heart, and running piglet. It grows in rivers
and valleys.

377 The current name of this medicinal is Xing Ren. Apricot Seeds are a widely
used medicinal. They drain the lungs and resolve the muscles, eliminate wind and
dissipate cold, downbear the qi and move phlegm, disperse food accumulation
and free the qi in constipation due to the large intestine. Because they are able to
eliminate wind heat in the lungs, they are often used to treat cold damage with
rigidity and pain in the head and neck, panting and absence of sweat. For this
purpose, they are prescribed together with Ephedrae, Cinnamon Twigs, and
l.icorice. To suppress panting, level qi, and promote sweating, one may administer
them together with Ephedra. For chest binding with pain, hardness, and distention
of the upper abdomen, one may use them together with Mirabilitum and Honey.
Moreover, they are frequently applied externally. Smashed, they heal swollen face
suppuration of 11 ic m iniv

Fruits and Vegetables: Inferior Class

Tao He (Semen Pruni Persicae ) 378 is bitter and balanced. It mainly treats
blood stasis, blood block, conglomerations, and evil qi. It kills small
worms. Tao Hua (Flos Pruni Persicae) kills malign demonic influx and
gives one a good facial complexion. Tao Xiao (old Fructus Pruni Persicae) 379
is slightly warm. It kills hundreds of ghosts and spiritual matters. Tao Mao
(Peach Fuzz) mainly precipitates blood conglomerations, accumulations
and gatherings with cold and heat and [cures] infertility. Tao Du (Peach
Worm) kills ghosts, evils, and ill matters. [Peach] grows in mountains and
valleys.

378 The current name of this medicinal is Tao Ren. It relaxes the liver, generates
new blood, and drains stagnant blood. Hence it is able to treat blood accumulation
due to falls and knocks, blood dysentery, blood block, heat penetrating the blood
chamber, and cough with counterflow qi ascent. The following formulas
containing Peach Seeds as a main ingredient were all designed by the medical sage,
Zhang Zhong-jing (150-219 CE) and are still in wide use: Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang
(Peach Seed Order the Qi Decoction) treats blood amassment in the bladder giving
rise to maniac illnesses. To treat blood accumulation, one may prescribe Di Dang
Tang (Flushing Decoction). Bie Jia Jian Wan (Boiled Turtle Shell Pills) are a formula
for hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang (Rhubarb &
Moutan Decoction) is effective for appendicitis.

In this passage, a number of things other than the seed are discussed, for instance.
Peach Flower. 1 lowever, in modem prescriptions, only Peach Seeds are often met
and all the others an* no longer used.

>7; This is peach (mil Ilia! has survived until winter on the tree.

MS

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Ku Piao (Fructus Lagenariae Vulgaris ) 380 is bitter and cold. It mainly treats
great water [giving rise to] puffy swelling of the face, eyes, and limbs. It
precipitates water and makes one vomit. It grows in rivers and swamps.

Shin Jin (Herba Oenanthis Javanicae ) 381 is sweet and balanced. It mainly
treats red ooze in females, stops bleeding, nourishes the essence, protects
the blood vessels, boosts the qi, and makes one fat, strong, and desirous of
food. Its other name is Shui Ying (Water Flower). It grows in pools and
swamps.

380 Besides the indications listed in the text, Calabash or Bottle Gourd is said to be

good for blood ejection, hemafecia, wasting thirst, stone strangury, roundworms,
and malign sores. Nowadays, however, it is seldom used except for ascites.

381 The current name is Shui Qin. Chen Cang-qi said, "The juice extracted from its
leaves and stalk after they have been smashed is able to relieve sudden fever in
children and hangover of heat toxins, nasal congestion, and generalized fever after
having drunk as well as to disinhibit the large and small intestines."

146

Cereals: Superior Class

Hu Ma (Semen Sesami Indicae ) 382 is sweet and balanced. It is nontoxic,
mainly treating damaged center with vacuity and languor. It supplements
the five internals, boosts the qi and [physical] force, promotes the growth
of the muscles and flesh, and replenishes the brain marrow. Protracted
taking may make the body light and prolong life. The leaf [Folium Sesami
Indicae] is called Qing Xiang. [Sesame] is also called Ju Sheng (Major
Triumph). It grows in rivers and valleys.

382 Sesame supplements the lung qi, moistens the five viscera, replenishes the
marrow, blackens the hair, expels wind dampness, and heals incised wounds and
sores. In his annotation on this passage. Ye Gui said:

Yin is the guardian of the center. Damaged center is damaged yin blood.

The lungs are the source of transformation of fluids, the spleen controls the
blood, and the heart governs the blood. Sesame enters the spleen, lungs,
and heart. It is sweet [in flavor] and balanced [of qi] and, therefore, boosts
the blood. For that reason, it rules damaged center. The spleen governs the
muscles and flesh. The sweet flavor moistens the spleen. Therefore,
[Sesame] rules vacuity and emaciation. The five internals are inside the five
viscera where yin is stored. Sesame is enriching and moistening. Therefore,
it supplements the five viscera.

Because Sesame is able to supplement the lung qi, replenish the five viscera, and
moisten the five viscera, it blackens the hair, dispels wind dampness, and heals
incised wounds and sores. Sesame Oil is also a medicinal that is able to cool the
blood and resolve toxins, relieve pain and promote the growth of the muscles [i.e.,
flesh |.

147

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Ma Fen (Herba Cannabis Sativae) 383 is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats
the seven damages, disinhibits the five viscera, and precipitates the blood
and cold qi. Taking much of it may make one behold ghosts and
frenetically run about. Protracted taking may enable one to communicate
with the spirit light and make the body light. The seed [Semen Cannabis
Sativae] is sweet and balanced. It mainly supplements the center and
boosts the qi. Protracted taking may make one fat, strong, and never senile.
[Herba Cannabis Sativae] is also called Ma Bo (Hemp Erection). It grows
in rivers and valleys.

383 The current name of this medicinal is Da Ma. Its seed is currently called Ma Ren
or Da Ma Ren. In modem clinical practice. Hemp Seeds are still in wide use. They
are able to dredge wind qi, relax the spleen, moisten dryness, promote lactation,
hasten delivery, and disinhibit urination and defecation.

148

Cereals: Middle Class

Da Don Huang Juan (Semen Germinatus Glycinis Hispidae) 384 is sweet
and balanced. It is nontoxic, mainly treating damp impediment, sinew
hypertonicity, and pain in the knee. Sheng Da Dou (uncooked Semen
Glycinis Hispidae) 385 can be applied to abscesses and swellings. Its juice
can be boiled. Drinking it may kill ghost toxins and relieve pain. Chi Xiao

384 According to Tao Hong-jing, Soybean Sprouts are able to boost the qi, break
binding in the five viscera and stomach, and resolve toxins. In addition, they are
able to flush malign blood. In his annotation on this part, Zou Shu said that
although there are many medicinals that are able to treat sinew cramps and
hypertonicity, for example. Mu Gua (Fructus Chaenomelis Lagenariae), Coix, and
Achyranthes, none of them are better than Soybean Sprouts.

385 In olden times. Soybean Seeds seemed to be in wide use as medicinals. Tao
Hong-jing said:

They dispel water distention, eliminate heat impediment in the stomach,
damaged center, and lin lu [exposure to dew], precipitate blood stasis,
dissipate internal cold accumulation and binding in the five viscera, and
resolve Aconite toxins... [In addition,] they eliminate swelling, remove
impediment, disperse grain, and relieve abdominal distention.

However, they are seldom used in modem prescriptions.

Soybean juice or milk is prepared in the following way. First soak the beans
overnight and then grind with water. After filtering, there is white juice or "milk"
left. In North China, people drink this for breakfast.

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Dou (Semen Phaseoli Calcarati) 386 mainly precipitates water and expels pus
and blood from abscesses and swellings. They grow in plains and swamps.

Su Mi (Semen Setariae) is bitter. It is nontoxic, mainly nourishing the
kidney qi, removing heat from the spleen and stomach, and boosting the
qi. Stale [Setaria] is bitter. It mainly treats stomach heat and wasting thirst
and disinhibits urination.

Shu Mi (Semen Panici Miliacei) is sweet. It is nontoxic, mainly boosting
the qi, supplementing the center, and [relieving] abundant heat giving rise
to vexation.

386 Aduki Beans are sweet and sour in flavor and balanced of qi. Nowadays, they
are mainly used to move water to disinhibit urination, dissipate the blood to
disperse swelling, and clear heat to resolve toxins. They are, therefore, a good
medicinal for hemafecia, water swelling, foot qi, blood dysentery, difficult or
scanty lactation, and all sorts of sores.

150

Cereals: Inferior Class

Fu Bi (Flos Phaseoli Calcarati) 387 is acrid and balanced. It mainly treats
malaria with cold and heat, evil qi, diarrhea, dysentery, impotence, and
headache [due to] hangover from wine.

Athough this iiunlk in,il is a flower, because it is derived from a plant whose
main product is a major cereal, Mung Beans, it is classified under cereals, not
under herbs.

Book Four

Omission 389 from the Ben Cao Jing

Superior class medicinals keep one fit and increase one's life span, enabling
one to ascend to heaven to become an immortal who is then able to travel
freely up and down, bossing all the spirits about. [This person] will grow
feathers over their body and be able to order meals any time while
travelling. Middle class medicinals cultivate temperament, while inferior
class medicinals eliminate disease. These are able to ward off toxic insects
and worms, hold back wild beasts, prevent malign qi from spreading, and
keep off ill and demonic matters. Tai Yi Zi 389 said, "Of the medicinals, the
superior class nourishes life, the middle helps temperament, and the
inferior helps disease." The Divine Farmer made a red whip as a tool for

388 This whole part, i.e., Book Four, is not found in the Chinese version we have
taken as the basis of this translation but is attached at the end of some other
versions as a supplement. This is included even though the editors all knew that
this part overlaps the text in some way. It should also be noted that most passages
in this part were undoubtedly inserted by some later editors. In some versions,
there are some passages headed by the words Xu Li Bai Zi (Preface Written in
White) preceding this part. However, these passages are different from version to
version.

389 The words tai i// mean primal, archetypal, or supreme and are often used to
refer to the supreme god or the beginning of the cosmos. The character zi is the title
of a Daoist. Tai Yi /.i is the name of the assistant of the Divine Farmer. It seems that
he acted in tin* same capa« ity as (Ji Bo to the Yellow Fmperor.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Omission from the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

the investigation [of medicinals], 390 following the six yin and six yang. He
toured the five mountains and four rivers together with Tai Yi. 392 He made
a study of each of the thousands of things the land produced—herbs,
stones, bones, flesh, hearts, segments, skins, hairs, and feathers. [As a
result,] he attained knowledge about what they could rule and their five
flavors. Each day he was poisoned 70 times. 393 Bowing again, the Divine
Farmer asked Tai Yi Zi, "(I) once heard that beyond a 100 years old,
(people) become senile. What kind of qi is resposible for this?"

Tai Yi Zi answered, "There are nine entrances to the heaven. The middle
one is the best." Then the Divine Farmer followed him [out through the
middle entrance], going to taste medicinals to save the lives of the people.

Medicinals that have great toxins cannot be taken. Once a person takes
them through the mouth, nose, ear, or eye, the person will be killed. The
first [such medicinal] is Gou Wen (Gelsemium Elegans). The second is Chi
(Circus Cyaneus). The third is Yin Ming (Yin Life). 394 The fourth is Nei Tong

390 There is a legend that goes as follows. The Divine Farmer made a red whip and
used it to whip the herbs he met. Thus he got to know their nature and flavors.
Then he taught people how to grow plants and collect medicinals. This is how he
acquired the title Divine Farmer.

391 There are three yin and three yang channels in each of the arms and legs. Thus
we have six yin channels and six yang channels.

392 There are five holy mountains in China. They are Mount Tai in the east. Mount
Hua in the west. Mount Song in the center. Mount Heng in the south, and Mount
Heng in the north. The four rivers refer to the Yangtze, the Yellow, the Huai, and
the Ji. The last one has long been a branch of the Yellow River.

393 It was believed that the Divine Farmer tried to learn the uses of medicinals

through tasting various herbs. Many times he was poisoned by some medicinals,
but each time he saved himself by successfully discovering the other medicinals
that might resolve the toxins.

394 This is a lengendary animal. It is hard to tell its identity. There is a note under
this passage saying that this is a red-colored animal which makes its nest in trees,
hanging its baby on a tree and brooding it in the sea.

(Internal Child). 395 The fifth is Zhen Yu (Poisonous Feather). 396 The sixth is
Gao Xi (Tall and Rare). 397

There are five materials [that can resolve toxic] medicinals. First, Lang Du
(Radix Galarhoei Eblactealati) can be resolved by Zhan Si (Cocoon of
Monema Flavescens). Second, Ba Tou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii) can be
resolved by Huo Zhi (Succus Agastachis Seu Pogostemi). 398 Third, Li Lu
(Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri) can be resolved by soup. 399 Fourth, Tian Xiong
(Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli) and Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti) can be
resolved by Da Dou (Semen Glycinis Hispidae). Fifth, Ban Mao (Mylabris)
can be resolved by Rong Yan (Alkali). If poisonous vegetables have done
harm to small children, one may resolve this by breast milk. First
administer two sheng.

The five Zhi (Ganoderma), Er Dan Sha (Cinnabar), Yu Zha (Nephritum),
Ceng Qing (Azuritum), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Ci Huang (Auripigmentum),
Yun Mu (Muscovitum), and Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang (Limonitum) can each be
administered singly. They may enable the taker to fly and enjoy longevity.

Spring and summer are yang, while autumn and winter are yin. Spring is
yang, and yang warms and generates the tens of thousands of things.

This is another legendary animal. There is a note under this passage saying that
this looks like a goose and also broods its baby in the sea.

396 This is yet another legendary animal. There is a note under this passage saying
that this looks like a sparrow with a black head and red beak.

397 This is again a lengendary animal. There is a note under this passage saying
that it is bom in the sea and that the male is called xi, while the female is called gao.

398 Croton Seed can be poisonous. Its toxins can be resolved, however, by thin
Mung Bean gruel or Soybean Juice.

The toxins of Veratrum Root can be resolved by atropine or ephedrine. As a
folk remedy, thic k ( hinese Scallion soup or a cold mixture of onion. Realgar, pig
fat, and tea can also Iv u.sch! to resolve the toxins. However, the translator suspects
that the word soup (huy) here simply means boiled water.

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

If one takes Huang Jing (Rhizoma Polygonati) and Zhu (Rhizoma
Atractylodis), one may be able to fast on grain or can survive years of
famine without grain. They are called grain substitutes.

The five flavors [i.e., grains] nourish the essence spirit and fortify the
ethereal and corporeal souls, while the five stones nourish the marrow and
fatten and render luster to the muscles and flesh. Of the various
medicinals, the sour flavored ones supplement the liver, nourish the heart,
and eliminate kidney disease. The bitter flavored ones supplement the
heart, nourish the spleen, and eliminate liver disease. The sweet flavored
ones supplement the lungs, nourish the spleen, and eliminate heart disease.
The acrid flavored ones supplement the lungs, nourish the kidneys, and
eliminate spleen disease. The salty flavored ones supplement the lungs and
eliminate liver disease. The five flavors correspond to the five phases,
while the four limbs correspond to the four seasons. Personalities [are
decided by] the four seasons in which people are born, and they
accordingly correspond to the five phases. Supplementing the body with
the primary 400 may make one immortal and ordain one a deity.
Supplementing the child with the mother 400 may render longevity. The
child protecting the mother 400 may eliminate disease and lengthen the life
span.

400 According to one's season of birth, one corresponds to one of the five phases.
For example, one corresponds to fire if one is bom in summer. In this case,
medicinals corresponding to fire are referred to as primary and their flavor should
be bitter. Taking bitter medicinals, the heart will be supplemented. Wood is the
mother of fire. If the person takes sour flavored medicinals, this is the mother
nourishing the child. If, on the contrary, the person takes sweet flavored
medicinals corresponding to earth, this is the child protecting the mother. This is
because the sweet flavor (earth) is the child of the bitter flavor (fire).

1%

A Supplement of 12 Passages from
Wu's Ben Cao (Wu's Materia Medica) 401

Long Yan (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae) is also called Yi Zhi (Wits
Sharpener). Yet another name is Bi Mu (Parallel Eyes).

Shu Wei (Fructus Piperis Longi) is also called Jin (Strength). Yet another
name is Shan Ling Qiao (Hill's Prominence). It treats dysentery.

Pu Yin Shi (Fructus Elaeagni Pungentis) grows in plains and valleys or in
gardens. [The tree] branches with leaves like the melon's and its fruit is
like the peach. [The fruit] is collected in the seventh month. It quenches
thirst and prolongs life.

Qian Sui Yuan (Old Wall Clay) 402 is good for the skin. It treats [the skin]
together with Jiang (Rhizome Zingiberis) and Chi Shi Zhi (Hallyositum
Rubrum).

Xiao Hua (Polygala Tenuifolia) is also called Jie Cao (Bind Weed).

Mu Gua (Fructus Chaenomelis Lagenariae) grows in Yi Ling. 403

401 Wu was the surname of Wu Pu who was a pupil of the most distinguished
physician, Hua Tuo. His materia medica, which has long been lost, was supposed
to be based on the Sheng Nong Ben Cao Jing.

402 This identification is questionable.

I his is a in (he |tirscnl <l<iy I lubei Province.

IS7

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Gu Shu Pi (Cortex Ailanthi Altissimi) treats throat block. Its other name is
Dim.

Ying Tao (Fructus Pruni Pseudocerasi) is sweet. It mainly regulates the
center and boosts the qi, renders the facial complexion attractive, and
glorifies the will qi. 404 Its other name is Zhu Tao (Vermilion Peach). Yet
another name is Mai Ying (Wheat Flower).

Li He (Semen Pruni) treats collapse. The flower [Flos Pruni] may render the
facial complexion attractive.

Da Mai (Semen Hordei Vulgaris) is also called Kuang Mai (Broad Wheat).
It is the most exuberant [i.e., richest] of all the five grains. It is nontoxic,
treating wasting thirst, eliminating heat, and boosting the qi. Shi Mi
(Honey) is its envoy. Mai Zhong (Semen Tritici) is also called Xiao Mai
(Small Wheat). It is nontoxic, treating dysentery but is not good for
[blank]. 405

Chi (Semen Praeparatus Sojae) boosts people's qi.

Hui Ri (Bright Sun) 406 is also called Zhen Yu (Poisonous Bird Feather).

404 In ancient times, medicinals were believed not only to remedy disease but also

to improve the personality and temperament. The word zhi qi (will qi), if translated
freely, means ambition or aspiration. See Note 1, Fruits & Vegetables: Middle
Class, Book III.

405 There is a word missing here.

406 This is a mythical bird whose feathers are said to be fatally poisonous.

1SH

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of
Various Medicinals

Jades and Stones: Superior Class

Yu Quan (Nephritum) fears Kuan Dong Hua (Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae).

Yu Xie (Nephritum Powder) is averse to Lu Jiao (Cornu Cervi).

Dan Sha (Cinnabar) is averse to Ci Shi (Magnetitum) and fears Jian Shui
(Alkali).

Ceng Qing (Azuritum) fears Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae Chinensis).

The envoy of Shi Dan (Chalcabthitum) is Shui Ying (Herba Oenanthis
Javanicae). It fears Mu Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae), Jun Gui (tubiform
Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae), Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae), and Xin
Yi Bai (Flos Albi Magnoliae Liliflorae).

The envoy of Zhong Ru (Stalactitum) is She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii
Monnieri). It is averse to Mu Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan), Mu Meng
(Radix Et Rhizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae), Yuan Shi (Magnititum), and Mu
Meng (Radix Et Ehizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae)[sic], and fears Zi Shi Ying
(Flouritum) and Rang Cao (Folium Zingiberis Miogae).

The envoy of Yun Mu (Muscovitum) is Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis). It fears
Tuo Jia (Squama Alligatoris Sinensis) and running water.

t

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

The envoy of Xiao Shi (Niter) is [blank]. 407 It is averse to Ku Shen (Radix
Sophorae Flavescentis) and Ku Cai (Herba Sonchi Olercei) and fears Nu
Wan (Herba Asteris Fastigiati).

Po Xiao (Slaked Lime) fears Mai Ju Jiang (Herba Carpensii Abrotanoidis).

The envoy of Mang Xiao (Mirabilitum) is Shi Wei (Folium Pyrrosiae
Linguae). It is averse to Mai Ju Jiang (Herba Carpensii Abrotanoidis).

The envoy of Fan Shi (Alumen) is Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae). It fears Mu
Li (Concha Ostreae).

The envoy of Hua Shi (Talcum) is Shi Wei (Folium Pyrrosiae Linguae). It is
averse to Ceng Qing (Azuritum).

The envoy of Zi Shi Ying (Flouritum) is Chang Shi (Anhydritum). It fears
Bian Qing (Azuritum) and Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli) and
is not partial to Tuo Jia (Squama Alligatoris Sinensis), Huang Lian (Rhizoma
Coptidis Chinensis), and Mai Ju Jiang (Herba Carpensii Abrotanoidis).

Bai Shi Ying (Quartz Crystal) is averse to Ma Mu (Oculus Equus) and Du
Gong (Radix Aconiti).

Chi Shi Zhi (Hallyositum Rubrum) is averse to Da Huang (Radix Et
Rhizoma Rhei) and fears Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae).

The envoy of Huang Shi Zhi (Hallyositum Aureum) is Ceng Qing
(Azuritum). It is averse to Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice) and fears Fei
Lian (Stylopyga Conucina).

The envoy of Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang (Limonitum) is Du Zhong (Cortex
Eucommiae Ulmoidis). It fears Tie Luo (Frusta Ferri), Chang Pu (Rhizoma
Acori Graminei), and Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae).

407 The word missing here may be fire.

A Supplement: Restraincrs and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

Jades and Stones: Middle Class

Shui Yin (Mercurius) fears Ci Shi (Magnetitum).

Yin Nie (Stalactitum) is averse to Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) and
fears Mu (Wood).

The envoy of Kong Gong Nie (Stalactitum) is Mu Lan (Cortex Magnoliae
Liliflorae). It is averse to Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice).

The envoy of Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum) is Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca
Mantidis). It is averse to Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Jun Gui (tubiform
Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae), Lei Wan (Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae), and
She Tui Pi (Exuviae Serpentis), and it fears Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae
Chinensis).

The envoy of Shi Gao (Gypsum) is Ji Zi (Chicken Egg). It is averse to Mang
Cao (Folium Midi Lanceolati) and Du Gong (Radix Aconiti).

Ning Shui Shi (Polyhalitum) fears Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis).
It resolves the toxins of Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii).

The envoy of Ci Shi (Magnetitum) is Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri). It fears
Huang Shi Zhi (Hallyositum Aureum) and is averse to Mu Dan (Cortex
Radicis Moutan) and Mang Cao (Folium Illicii Lanceolati).

Yuan Shi (Magnetitum Atrum) is averse to Song Zhi (Resina Pini), Bai Zi
Ren (Semen Biotae Orientalis), and Jun Gui (tubiform Cortex Cinnamomi
Cassiae).

The envoy of Li Shi (Gypsum Fibrosum) is Hua Shi (Talcum). It is averse to
Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae).

l<>l

160

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals

Jades and Stones: Inferior Class

Fan Shi (Alumen) will become better if it acquires fire. Its envoy is Ji Zhen
(Spina Zizyphi Jujubae). It is averse to Hu Zhang (Rhizoma Polygoni
Cuspidati), Du Gong (Radix Aconiti), Wu Shi (Feces Anatis Domesticae), Xi
Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice), and water.

Qing Lang Gan (Malachitum) will become better if it acquires Shui Yin
(Mercurius). It fears Ji Gu (Os Galli Galli) and kills the toxins of Xi (Tin).

Te Sheng Fan Shi (Alum) will become better if it acquires fire. It fears water.

Dai Zhe (Haemititum) fears Tian Xiong (Radix Lateralis Aconiti
Carmichaeli).

Fangjie Shi (Calcitum) is averse to Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii).

The envoy of Da Yan (Sal) is Lou Lu (Radix Echinponsis Seu Rhapontici).

Herbs: Superior Class

The envoy of Liu Zhi (The Six Species of Ganoderma) is Shu Yu (Rhizoma
Dioscoreae Oppositae). They will become better if they acquire Fa (Crinis
Humanis). They are averse to Chang Shan (Radix Dichroae Febrifugae) and
fear Bian Qing (Azuritum) and Yin Chen (Herba Artemisiae Capillaris).

The envoys of Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) are Fang Feng (Radix
Ledebouriellae Divaricatae) and Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis).

The envoys of Tian Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinensis) are Yuan Yi
(Herba Bryi Argenti) and Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae). It fears Ceng Qing
(Azuritum).

The envoys of Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici) are Di Huang
(Radix Rehmanniae) and Che Qian (Semen Plantaginis). It is averse to Kuan

Dong (Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae) and Ku Piao (Fructus Lagenariae
Sicerariae), and it fears Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) and Qing
Xiang (Semen Celosiae Argenteae).

Nu Wei Rui (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati) mainly fears Lu Shi Yan (Alkali).

Gan Di Huang (dry Radix Rehmanniae) will become better if it acquires Mai
Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici) and clear wine [i.e., alcohol]. It
is averse to Bet Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae) and fears Wu Yi (Semen
Praeparatus Ulmi Macrocarpae).

The envoys of Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei) are Qin Hua (Flos
Fraxini) and Qin Pi (Cortex Fraxini). It is averse to Di Dan (Meloe
Coartatus) and Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae).

Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis) fears Hai Ge (Concha Cyclinae Sinensis) and
Wen Ge (Concha Cythirae Meretricis).

Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae) will become better if it acquires Fu
Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos), Dong Kui Zi (Semen Abutili Seu Malvae),
and Long Gu (Os Draconis). It kills the toxins of Tian Xiong (Radix Lateralis
Aconiti Carmichaeli) and Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli). It
fears Zhen Zhu (Margarita), Fei Lian (Stylopyga Conucina), and Li Lu
(Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoys of Qi Ge (Mactra Quandrangularis) are Shu Yu (Radix
Dioscoreae Oppositae) and Zi Zhi (Ganoderma Purpurea). It is averse to
Gan Sui (Radix Euphobiae Kansui).

The envoy of Shi Jie (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandae) is !Lm Ying (Flos Sambuci
Javanicae). It is averse to Ning Shui Shi (Polyhalitum) and Ba Dou (Semen
Crotonis Tiglii), and it fears Bai Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) and Lei
Wan (Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae).

The envoys of }u Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii) are Zhu (Rhizoma
Atractylodis), Gou Qi Gen (Radix Lycii Chinensis), and Sang Gen Bai Pi
(Cortex Rad iris Mori Albi)

_ The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

The envoys of Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) are Zhu (Rhizoma
Atractylodis), Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata), and Ku Shen (Radix
Sophorae Flavescentis). It is averse to Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae
Tenuifoliae) and clashes with Gan Sui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui), Da Ji
(Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici), Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae), and
Hai Zao (Herba Sargassii).

The envoy of Ren Shen (Radix Panacis Ginseng) is Fu Ling (Sclerotium
Poriae Cocos). It is averse to Sou Shu (Semen Deutziae Scabrae) and clashes
with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) is averse to Ying Huo Chong
(Luciola Vitticollis) and Lu Ying (Flos Sambuci Javanicae) and it fears the
white.

The envoys of Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice) are Ceng Qing (Azuritum)
and Dong Gen (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis). It is averse to
Lang Du (Radix Stellerae Chamaejasmis), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni
Officinalis), and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei). It fears Hua Shi
(Talcum) and Xiao Shi (Niter), and it clashes with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma
Veratri).

The envoy of Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) is Li Shi (Gypsum
Fibrosum).

The envoy of Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) is Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae
Tematae). It is averse to Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae Chinensis) and fears
Nu Wan (Radix Asteris Fastigiati) and Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoys of An Lu Zi (Fructus Artemisiae Keiskeanae) are Jing Zi
(Fructus Viticis) and Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi).

Xi Ming Zi (Semen Thlaspi Arvensis) will become better if it acquires Jing
Zi (Fructus Viticis) and Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice). It is averse to
Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis) and Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae
Flavescentis).

164

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

The envoy of Long Dan (Radix Gentianae Scabrae) is Guan Zhong (Rhizoma
Dryopteridis). It is averse to Fang Kui (Radix Peucedani Japonici) and Di
Huang (Radix Rehmanniae).

Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae Chinensis) will become better if it acquires wine.
Its envoys are Shu Yu (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae) and Song Zhi (Resina
Pini). It is averse to Huan Jun (Herba Phragmitis Communis).

The envoy of Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis) is Fu Pen Zi (Fructus
Rubi Chingii). It is averse to Zhao Sheng (Coprinus Atramentarius), Lei Wan
(Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae), and Dan Shen (Radix Salviae
Miltiorrhizae).

The envoy of Ji Li Zi (Semen Astragali Complanati) is Wu Tou (Radix
Aconiti).

Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae Littoralis) is averse to Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae
Tetrandrae) and clashes with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae) is averse to Gan Jiang (dry
Rhizoma Zingiberis), Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri), Bai Lian (Radix
Ampelopsis Japonicae), and Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae). It kills the
toxins of Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli).

The envoys of Luo Shi (Folium Trachelospermi Jasminoidis) are Du Zhong
(Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis) and Mu Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan). It is
averse to Tie Luo (Frusta Ferri) and fears Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori
Graminei) and Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae).

The envoys of Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis) are Huang Qin
(Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis), Long Gu (Os Drconis), and Li Shi (Gypsum
Fibrosum). It is averse to Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii), Yuan Hua
(Flos Daphnis Genkwae), Yuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis),
and Bai Xian Pi (Cortex Radicis Dictamni Dasycarpi). It fears Kuan Dong
(Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae), restrains Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti), and resolves
the toxins of Ba I )<>u (Semen Crotonis Tiglii).

If.'.

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various MeHirinak

ll

Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) fears Yan Shui (Alkali) and clashes
with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoy of Tian Ming Jing (Herba Carpensii Abrotanoides) is Yuan Yi
(Herba Bryi Argenti).

The envoy of Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae Torae) is Chu Shi (Fructus
Achilleae Alpinae). It is averse to Da Ma Zi (Semen Cannabis Sativae).

The envoy of Xu Duan (Radix Dipsaci) is Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae).
It is averse to Lei Wan (Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae).

The envoy of Xiong Qiong (Radix Ligustici Wallichii) is Bai Zhi (Radix
Angelicae Dahuricae).

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) is averse to Gui ]ia (Plastrum
Testudinis).

Du Ruo (Herba Polliae Japonicae) will become better if it acquires Xin Yi
(Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae) and Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice). It is
averse to Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) and Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani).

She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii Monnieri) is averse to Mu Dan (Cortex
Radicis Moutan), Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii), and Bei Mu (Bulbus
Fritillariae).

Qian Gen (Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) fears Shu Gu (Cortex Radicis Moutan).

Fei Lian (Herba Carduus Crispi) will become better if it acquires Wu Tou
(Radix Aconiti). It is averse to Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae).

Wei Xin (Herba Gnaphalii Affineae) will become better if it acquires Qin Pi
(Cortex Fraxini).

The envoy of Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) is Cong Rong
(Herba Cistanchis Deserticolae). It is averse to Wei Rui (Rhizoma
Polygonati Odorati) and restrains Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).

Herbs: Middle Class

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is averse to Lu Ru (Radix Euphorbiae
Adenochlorae) and fears Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei), Hai Zao
(Herba Sargassii), and Mu Meng (Radix Et Ehizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae).

The envoy of Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) is Chang Pu
(Rhizoma Acori Graminei).

The envoys of Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis) are Shan Zhu Yu
(Fructus Comi Officinalis) and Long Gu (Os Draconis). It is averse to Cong
Shi (Semen Allii Fistulosi) and fears Dan Sha (Cinnabar), Mu Dan (Cortex
Radicis Moutan), and Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoy of Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) is Xu Wan
(Hematitum). It is averse to Shi Hu (Herba Dendrobii) and Mang Xiao
(Mirabilitum), fears Shi Bie Jia (fossilized Plastrum Chitonis) and Xiao Ji
(Herba Cephalanoplos Segeti), and clashes with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma
Veratri).

The envoy of Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis) is Qin Jiao (Pericarpium
Zanthoxyli Bungeani). It is averse to Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis
Chinensis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis), and Tian Shu Shi
(Excrementum Verpertilionis Murini), and kills the toxins of Ban Xia
(Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae) and Lang Dang (Semen Scopoliae Japonicae).

Gao Ben (Radix Et Rhizoma Ligustici Chinensis) fears Lu Ru (Radix
Euphorbiae Adenochlorae).

Th envoy of Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) is Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae
Officinalis). It is averse to Xin Yi (Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae) and Shi Wei
(Folium Pyrrosiae Linguae).

166

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae) kills the toxins of Ye Ge (Herba Gelsemii
Elegantis), Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii), and hundreds of [other]
medicinals.

The envoy of Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani) is Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae
Tematae). It is averse to Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae Chinensis) and fears
Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoys of Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae) are Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae
Officinalis) and Bai Wei (Radix Cynanchi Baiwei). It is averse to Tao Hua
(Flos Pruni Persicae), fears Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), Fan
Shi (Alumen), and Mang Cao (Folium Illicii Lanceolati), and clashes with
Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).

The envoy of Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii) is Gou Qi (Fructus
Lycii Chinensis). It is averse to Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis), fears
Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) and Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata),
and clashes with Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).

Yuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis) is averse to Huang Qi (Radix
Astragali Membranacei), Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis), Da Zao
(Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae), and Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Comi Officinalis), and
it clashes with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoy of Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) is Yuan Shen (Radix
Scrophulariae Ningpoensis). It is averse to Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae), Lou
Lu (Radix Echinponsis Seu Rhapontici), and Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae
Chinensis), and it clashes with Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri).

The envoy of Shi Long Rui (Herba Ranuculi Sclerati) is Da Ji (Herba Seu
Radix Cirsii Japonici). It fears She Tui (Exuviae Serpentis) and Wu Zhu Yu
(Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae).

The envoy of Bei Xie (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae) is Yi Yi Ren
(Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi). It fears Kui Gen (Radix Abutilonis Seu
Malvae), Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Mu
Li (Concha Ostreae), and Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani).

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

The envoys of Shi Wei (Folium Pyrrosiae Linguae) are Hua Shi (Talcum)
and Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae). It will become better if it
acquires Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei).

The envoy of Gou Ji (Rhizoma Cibotii Barometsis) is Bei Xie (Rhizoma
Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae). It is averse to Bai Jiang (Herba Patriniae
Heterophyllae Cum Radice).

The envoys of Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi) are Rang Cao (Folium Zingiberis
Miogae) and Mu Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan). It is averse to Piao Xiao (Os
Sepiae Seu Sepiellae).

The envoy of Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) is Dang Gui (Radix
Angelicae Sinensis). It is averse to Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae).

The envoy of Zi Wan (Radix Asteris Tatarici) is Kuan Dong (Flos
Tussilaginis Farfarae). It is averse to Tian Xiong (Radix Lateralis Aconiti
Carmichaeli), Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi), Lei Wan (Fructificatio Polypori
Mylittae), and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae), and it fears Yin
Chen (Herba Artemisiae Capillaris).

Bai Xian Pi (Cortex Radicis Dictamni Dasycarpi) is averse to Piao Xiao (Os
Sepiae Seu Sepiellae), Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori), Fu Ling
(Sclerotium Poriae Cocos), and Bei Xie (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae).

Bai Wei (Radix Cynanchi Baiwei) is averse to Huang Qi (Radix Astragali
Membranacei), Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei), Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix
Cirsii Japonici), Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis), Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica
Exsiccata), Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae), and Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus
Comi Officinalis).

Zi Shen (Herba Salviae Chinensis) fears Xin Yi (Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae).

The envoy of Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) is Shu Yu (Radix Dioscoreae
()ppositae).

168

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals

The envoy of Kuan Dong Hua (Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae) is Xing Ren
(Semen Pruni Armeniacae). It will become better if it acquires Zi Wan
(Radix Asteris Tatarici). It is averse to Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae
Chinensis), Xiao Shi (Niter), and Yuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae
Ningpoensis), and it fears Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae), Xin Yi (Flos
Magnoliae Liliflorae), M a Huang (Herba Ephedrae), Huang Qin (Radix
Scutellariae Baicalensis), Huang lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis), Huang
Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), and Qing Xiang (Semen Celosiae
Argenteae).

Mm Dan (Cortex Radicis Moutan) fears Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae
Chinensis).

The envoy of Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) is Yin Nie
(Stalactitum). It is averse to Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice), fears Bei Xie
(Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae), and kills the toxins of Xiong Huang
(Realgar).

Nm Wan (Radix Asteris Fastigiati) fears Lu Yan (Alkali).

The envoy of Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi Lucidi) is Fang fi (Radix Stephaniae
Tetrandrae).

Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis) will become better if it acquires Fa
(Crinis Humanis). It is averse to Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis
Japonici).

Hai Zao (Herba Sargassi) clashes with Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).

Herbs: Inferior Class

The envoy of Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei) is Huang Qin (Radix
Scutellariae Baicalensis).

The envoy of Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori) is Jie Pi (Cortex
Chrysanthemi Morifolii). It fears Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae) and

clashes with Long Dan (Radix Gentianae Scabrae) and Long Yan (Arillus
Euphoriae Longanae).

The envoy of Gan Sui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui) is Gua Di (Pediculus
Curcumeris). It is averse to Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae) and
clashes with Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).

The envoy of Ting Li (Semen Lepidii Seu Descurainiae) is Yu Pi (Cortex
Ulmi Pumilae). It will become better if it acquires wine, but it is averse to
Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) and Shi Long Rui (Herba Ranuculi
Sclerati).

The envoy of Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae) is Jue Ming (Semen
Cassiae Torae). It clashes with Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).

The envoy of Ze Qi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopiae) is Xiao Dou (Semen
Phaseoli Calcarati). It is averse to Shu Yu (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae).

Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici) clashes with Gan Cao (Radix
Glycyrrhizae).

The envoy of Gou Wen (Herba Gelsemii Elegantis) is Ban Xia (Rhizoma
Pinelliae Tematae). It is averse to Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae
Baicalensis).

The envoy of Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri) is Huang Lian (Rhizoma
Coptidis Chinensis). It clashes with Xi Xin (Herba Asari Cum Radice), Shao
Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), and Wu Shen (the Five Shen, i.e., Radix
Panacis Ginseng, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Glehniae Littoralis,
Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis, and Radix Pseustellariae
Heterophyllae). It is averse to Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei).

The envoy of Wu Tou Wu Hui (Radix Aconiti) is Mang Cao (Folium Ulicii
Lanceolati). It clashes with Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae), Gua Lou
(Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii), Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae), Bai Lian
(Radix Ampclopsis Japonicae), and Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae). It is
averse to / i Lu (Radix lit Rhizoma Veratri).

170

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The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

The envoy of Turn Xiong (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli) is Yuan Zhi
(Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae). It is averse to Fu Bi (Flos Phaseoli Calcarati).

The envoy of Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli) is Di Dan (Meloe
Coartatus). It is averse to Wu Gong (Scolopendra Subspinipes) and it fears
Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae), Gan Cao (Radix
Glycyrrhizae), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), Ren Shen (Radix
Panacis Ginseng), Wu Jiu (Cortex Radicis Sapii Sebiferi), and Da Dou
(Semen Sojae).

The envoy of Guan Zhong (Rhizoma Dryopteridis) is Huan Jun (Herba
Phragmitis Communis).

The envoy of Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae) is She Gan (Rhizoma
Belamcandae Chinensis). It is averse to Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae
Chinensis), fears Xiong Huang (Realgar), Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma
Zingiberis), Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma Zingiberis), Qin Pi (Cortex Fraxini),
and Gui Jia (Plastrum Testudinis), and clashes with Wu Tou (Radix
Aconiti).

The envoy of Shu Qi (Folium Et Ramulus Dichroae Febrifugae) is Gua Lou
(Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii). It is averse to Guan Zhong (Rhizoma
Dryopteridis).

The envoy of Hu Zhang (Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati) is Shu Qi (Folium
Et Ramulus Dichroae Febrifugae). It is averse to Mang Cao (Folium Illicii
Lanceolati).

The envoy of Lang Ya (Herba Agrimoniae Pilosae) is Wu Yi (Semen
Praeparatus Ulmi Macrocarpae). It is averse to Zao Ji (Fructus Cnidii
Monnieri) and Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis).

Chang Shan (Radix Dichroae Febrifugae) fears Yu Zha (Nephritum).

The envoy of Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae) is Zi Shi Ying (Flouritum).
It is averse to Li Shi (Gypsum Fibrosum), Li He Ren (Semen Pruni), and
Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae).

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

The envoy of Bai Lian (Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae) is Dai Zhe
(Haemititum). It clashes with Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).

Huan Jun (Herba Phragmitis Communis) will become better if it acquires
wine. It fears Ji Zi (Chicken Egg).

The envoy of Lu Ru (Radix Euphorbiae Adenochlorae) is Gan Cao (Radix
Glycyrrhizae). It is averse to Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis
Japonici).

Jin Cao (Herba Arthrixi Hispidi) fears Shu Fu (Armadillidium Vulgare).

The envoy of Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae Vulgaris) is Tu Gua (Fructus
Trichosanthis Cucummeroidis).

The envoy of Lang Du (Radix Stellerae Chamaejasmes) is Da Dou (Semen
Glycinis Hispidae). It is averse to Mai Ju Jiang (Herba Carpensii
Abrotanoidis).

Gui Jiu (Rhizoma Dysosmae Versipellis) fears Yi (Herba Bryi Argenti).

Woods: Superior Class

The envoy of Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) and Fu Shen (Sclerotium
Pararadicis Poriae Cocos) is Ma Xian (Herba Pedicularis Resupinatae).
They are averse to Bai Lian (Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae) and fear Mu
Meng (Radix Et Ehizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae), Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae
Officinalis), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae
Macrophyllae), and Gui Jia (Plastrum Testudinis).

Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis) is averse to She Tui (Exuviae
Serpentis) and Yuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis).

The envoys of Ihii Shi (Semen Biotae Orientalis) are Mu Li (Concha
(istreae), ( hii Xm (( oi lex Rasus Cinnamomi Cassiae), and Gua Zi (Semen

17.1

_ The Divine Fanner's Materia Medica Classic

Curcumeris). It is averse to Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii), Yang Ti
(Radix Rumicis Japonici), various stones, and Mian Qu (Fermented Flour).

The envoy of Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata) is Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae
Tematae). It fears Ji Zi (Chicken Egg).

Man Jing Zi (Fructus Viticis) is averse to Wu Ton (Radix Aconiti) and Shi
Gao (Gypsum).

The envoy of Wu fia Pi (Cortex Radicis Acanthopanacis) is Yuan Zhi (Radix
Polygalae Tenuifoliae). It fears She Pi (Exuviae Serpentis) and Yuan Shen
(Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis).

Bai Mu (Lignum Biotae Orientalis) is averse to Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica
Exsiccata).

The envoy of Xin Yi (Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae) is Xiong Qiong (Radix
Ligustici Wallichii). It is averse to Wu Shi Zhi (the Five Halloysitums) and
fears Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei), Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae),
Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis), Shi Gao (Gypsum), and Huang
Huan (?).

Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae) is averse to Pang Ji (Radix
Stephaniae Tetrandrae).

The envoy of Huai Zi (Fructus Sophorae Japonicae) is Jing Tian (Herbs Sedi
Erythrosticti).

The envoy of Mu Jing Shi (Fructus Viticis Negundi) is Fang Ji (Radix
Stephaniae Tetrandrae). It is averse to Shi Gao (Gypsum).

Woods: Middle Class

The envoy of Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) is Gan Jiang (dry
Rhizoma Jingiberis). It is averse to Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Han Shui
Shi (Calcareous Spar), and Xiao Shi (Niter).

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

The envoy of Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis) is Liao Shi (Fructus
Polygoni Hydropiperis). It is averse to Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi
Grandiflori), Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae), and Fang Ji
(Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae).

The envoy of Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae) is Liao Shi (Fructus
Polygoni Hydropiperis). It is averse to Dan Shen (Radix Salviae
Miltiorrhizae), Xiao Shi (Niter), and Bai Wu (Kaolin or Chalk), and it fears
Zi Shi Ying (Flouritum).

The envoy of Qin Pi (Cortex Fraxini) is Da Ji (Herba Seu Radix Cirsii
Japonici). It is averse to Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae).

Zhan Si (Cocoon of Monema Flavescens) resolves the toxins of Lang Du
(Radix Stellerae Chamaejasmis).

Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis) resolves the toxins of Zhi Zhu (Flos
Rhododendri Sublaneolati).

Qin Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani) is averse to Gua Lou (Fructus
Trichosanthis Kirlowii) and Fang Kui (Radix Peucedani Japonici), and it
fears Ci Huang (Auripigmentum).

The envoys of Sang Gen Bai Pi (Cortex Radicis Mori Albi) are Xu Duan
(Radix Dipsaci), Gui Xin (Cortex Rasus Cinnamomi Cassiae), and Ma Zi
(Semen Cannabis Sativae).

Woods: Inferior Class

The envoy of Huang Huan (?) is Yuan Wei (Radix Et Rhizoma Iridis
l ectori). It is averse to Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos) and Fang Ji
(Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae).

The envoy of Shi Nan (Folium Photiniae Serrulatae) is Wu Jia Pi (Cortex
Radicis Acanthopanai is (iaracilistyli).

174

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»

The envoy of Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii) is Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnes
Genkwae). It is averse to Rang Cao (Folium Zingiberis Miogae), fears Da
Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis),
and Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri), and kills the toxins of Ban Mao
(Mylabris).

The envoy of Luan Hua (Flos Koelreuteriae Paniculutae) is Jue Ming (Semen
Cassiae Torae).

The envoy of Shu Jiao (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani) is Xing Ren
(Semen Pruni Armeniacae). It is averse to Kuan Dong (Flos Tussilaginis
Farfarae).

The envoy of Sou Shu (Semen Deutziae Scabrae) is Lou Lu (Radix
Echinponsis Seu Rhapontici).

The envoy of Zao Jia (Fructus Gleditschiae Chinensis) is Bai Shi (Semen
Biotae Orientalis). It is averse to Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis
Japonici) and fears Kong Qing (Azuritum), Ren Shen (Radix Panacis
Ginseng), and Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis).

The envoys of Lei Wan (Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae) are Li Shi (Semen
Iridis Pallasii) and Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis). It is averse to Ge
Gen (Radix Puerariae).

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals

Beasts: Superior Class

Long Gu (Os Draconis) will become better if it acquires Ren Shen (Radix
Panacis Ginseng) and Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis). It fears Shi Gao
(Gypsum).

Long Jiao (Cornu Draconis) fears Gan Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata), Shu Jiao
(Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani), and Li Shi (Gypsum Fibrosum).

The envoy of Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis) is Ren Shen (Radix Panacis
Ginseng). It is averse to Long Gu (Os Draconis), Di Huang (Radix
Rehmanniae), Di Dan (Meloe Coartatus), and Pei Lian (Stylopyga
Conucina), and it fears Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae).

Bai Jiao (Gelatinum Cornu Cervi) will become better if it acquires fire. It
fears Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei).

E Jiao (Gelatinum Corii Asini) will become better if it acquires fire. It is
averse to Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei).

Beasts: Middle Class

The envoy of Xi Jiao (Cornu Rhinocerotis) is Song Zhi (Resina Pini). It is
averse to Huan Jun (Herba Phragmitis Communis) and Lei Wan
(Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae).

The envoy of Gu Yang Jiao (Cornu Antelopis Saiga-tatarici) is Tu Si Zi
(Semen Cuscutae Chinensis)

The envoy of Lu Rong (Cornu Parvum Cervi) is Ma Bo (Flos Cannabis
Sativae at the time of pollenization).

The envoy of Lu jiao (Cornu Cervi) is Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae
l Jlmoidis).

176

177

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals

♦

Beasts: Inferior Class

Mi Zhi (Adeps Elaphuri Davidiani) fears Da Huang (Radix Et Rhizoma
Rhei).

The envoys of Fu Yi (Vesperugo Noctula) are Xian Shi (Semen Amaranthi)
and Yun Shi (Semen Caesalpiniae Sepiariae).

Tian Shu Shi (Excrementum Verpertilionis Murini) is averse to Bai Lian
(Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae) and Bai Wei (Radix Cynanchi Baiwei).

Insects, Worms and Fish: Superior Class

Mi La (Cera Alba) is averse to Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnes Genkwae) and Qi
Ge (Mactra Quandrangularis).

Feng Zi (Larva Apis Ceranae) fears Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae
Baicalensis), Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), and Mu Li (Concha
Ostreae).

The envoy of Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) is Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae). It will
become better if it acquires Gan Gao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Niu Xi (Radix
Achyranthis Bidentatae), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae), and She
Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii Monnieri). It is averse to Ma Huang (Herba
Ephedrae), Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae), Xin Yi (Flos
Magnoliae Liliflorae), and Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca Mantidis), and it fears
Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae).

The envoy of Hai Ge (Concha Cyclinae Sinensis) is Shu Qi (Folium Et
Ramulus Dichroae Febrifugae). It fears Gou Dan (Fel Canis), Gan Sui (Radix
Euphorbiae Kansui), and Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae).

Gui Jia (Plastrum Testudinis) is averse to Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae
Littoralis) and Fei Lian (Stylopyga Conucina).

Insects, Worms and Fish: Middle Class

Wei Pi (Pellis Erinacei) will become better if it acquires wine. It fears fie
Geng (Radix Platycodi Grandiflori) and Mai Men Dong (Tuber
Ophiopogonis Japonici).

Xi Yi (Eumeces Chinensis) is averse to Liu Huang (Sulphur), Ban Mao
(Mylabris), and Wu Yi (Semen Praeparatus Ulmi Macrocarpae).

Lu Feng Fang (Nidus Vespae) is averse to Gan Jiang (dry Rhizoma
Zingiberis), Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Huang Qin (Radix
Scutellariae Baicalensis), Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), and Mu Li
(Concha Ostreae).

Zhe Chong (Eupolyphaga Seu Ophistoplatia) fears Zao Jia (Fructus
Gleditschiae Chinensis) and Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei).

The envoy of Qi Cao (Holotrichia Diomphalia) is Fei Lian (Stylopyga
Conucina). It is averse to Fu Zi (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti
Carmichaeli).

Bie Jia (Carpax Amydae Sinensis) is averse to Fan Shi (Alumen).

Xie (Eriocheir Sinensis) kills the toxins of Lang Dang (Semen Scopoliae
Japonicae) and Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata).

The envoy of Tuo Yu Jia (Squama Alligatoris Sinensis) is Shu Qi (Folium Et
Ramulus Dichroae Febrifugae). It fears Gou Dan (Fel Canis), Gan Sui (Radix
Euphorbiae Kansui), and Yuan Hua (Flos Daphnis Genkwae).

Wu Zei Yu Gu (Os Sepiae Seu Sepiellae) is averse to Bai Lian (Radix
Ampelopsis Japonicae) and Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae).

1

178

»

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

Insects, Worms and Fish: Inferior Class

Qiang Lang (Geotrupes Laesistriatus) fears Yang Jiao (Cornu Caprae) and
Shi Gao (Gypsum).

She Tui (Exuviae Serpentis) fears Ci Shi (Magnetitum) and wine.

The envoy of Ban Mao (Mylabris) is Ma Dao (Mactra Quandrangularis). It
fears Ba Dou (Semen Crotonis Tiglii), Dan Shen (Radix Salviae
Miltiorrhizae), and Kong Qing (Azuritum), and it is averse to Fu Qing
(Azuritum).

Di Dan (Meloe Coartatus) is averse to Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).

Fruits: Superior Class

Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae) kills the toxins of Wu Tou (Radix
Aconiti).

Fruits: Inferior Class

Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae) will become better if it acquires fire.
It is averse to Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), Huang Qin (Radix
Scutellariae Baicalensis), and Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae), resolves the toxins
of Xi Hu Fen (Carbonate of Lead), and fears Rang Cao (Folium Zingiberis
Miogae).

Vegetables: Superior Class

The envoy of Dong Kui Zi (Semen Abutilonis Seu Malvae) is Huang Qin
(Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis).

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals _

Cong Shi (Semen Allii Fistulosi) resolves the toxins of Li Lu (Radix Et
Rhizoma Veratri).

Cereals: Superior Class

Ma Fen (Flos Cannabis Sativae) and Ma Zi (Semen Cannabis Sativae) fear
Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) and Bai Wei (Radix Cynanchi Baiwei) and are
averse to Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos).

Cereals: Middle Class

Da Dou (Semen Glycinis Hispidae) and Huang Juan (Semen Germinatus
Glycinis Hispidae) are averse to Wm Shen (the Five Shen, i.e., Radix Panacis
Ginseng, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Glehniae Littoralis, Radix
Scrophulariae Ningpoensis, and Radix Pseustellariae Heterophyllae) and
Long Dan (Radix Gentianae Scabrae). They will become better if they
acquire Qian Hu (Radix Peucedani), Wu Hui (Radix Aconiti), Xing Ren
(Semen Pruni Armeniacae), and Mu Li (Concha Ostreae). They kill the
toxins of Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).

The envoy of Da Mai (Semen Hordei Vulgaris) is Mi (Mel).

[Here ends the section on Cereals: Middle Class.]

The above 231 medicinals have restrainers and envoys, while others do
not.

On the day. Beginning of Winter, Ju (Chrysanthemum) and Juan Bai
(Selaginella Tamariscina) first begin to grow. Then 10 materials, including

H

180

181

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic _

Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum) and Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca Mantidis), come
into use as envoys. 408 [This season] governs the growth of 200 herbs. 409

On the day. Beginning of Spring, Mu Lan (Magnolia Liliflora) and She Gan
(Belamcanda Chinensis) first begin to grow. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) and
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae) come into use as envoys. 408 [This
season] governs headache 409 and 45 joints.

On the day. Beginning of Summer, Pei Lian (Stylopyga Conucina) first
begins to grow. Ren Shen (Radix Panacis Ginseng) and Fu Ling (Sclerotium
Poriae Cocos) come into use as envoys. 408 [This season] governs abdominal
inside and seven joints. 409 [These medicinals] protect the spirit and
safeguard the center.

On the day. Summer Solstice, Shi Shou (Iris Pallasium) and Zhu Yu (Evodia
Rutecarpa) first begin to grow. Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) and Wu Hui (Radix
Aconiti) come into use as envoys. 408 [This season] governs the four limbs
and 32 joints. 409

On the day. Beginning of Autumn, Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica) and Fang
Feng (Ledebouriella Divaricata) first begin to grow. 410 Xi Xin (Herba Asari
Cum Radice) and Shu Qi (Folium Et Ramulus Dichroae Febrifugae) come

408 Regarding this sentence, there is another interpretation, which says that, after
the Beginning of Winter, Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum) has Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca
Mantidis) as its envoy. The next four passages each contain a similar statement
which may be understood in this alternative way.

409 This sentence may be translated in a number of other ways. One has it that
Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum), etc. govern (or treat) 200 (joints) and weeds begin to
grow. The next passages each contain a similar statement which may also be
interpreted in this way.

410 The words "begin to grow" mean "ripening" or "beginning to bear fruit."

182

A Supplement: Restrainers and Envoys of Various Medicinals

into use as envoys. 408 [This season] governs the chest, (upper) back, and 24
joints. 409 ' 411

All five of the above passages are about the seasonal law concerning the use of
medicinals. I hey arc from the Yao Dui (Questions & Answers About Medicinals)
supposedly written by l ong |un. Tong Jun was said to be one of the ministers of
the Yellow l inperoi However, most scholars in the past have thought these
passages to lx* cirri vis I I tom the* Urn (no I ing.

18 1

Addendum

Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Kirlowium) has leaves like those of [water] melon
which grow by twos, opposite to one another. It is blackish green-blue. It
crawls up, bearing flowers in the sixth month and yielding fruit in the
seventh month which look like a slice of melon.

Yan Mai (Bromus Japonicus) grows in the wilderness and forest. Its stalk
looks like that of wheat but weaker. Its seed looks like barley but is
thinner. It is also seen in other places.

Ji (Capsella Bursa-pastoris) is sweet. People pick its leaves as a food after
they are seasoned. They can make soup which is also good.

Du Heng (Asarum Forbesium) is acrid and can be used to fumigate the
body and clothes.

Shi Yun (Molsa Chinensis) is also named Zhe Lie (Terrible Biting). Its other
name is Gui Hui (Inquisitive Beak).

Fei Li (Blatta Orientalis) is an insect.

Guan Gu (Os Ciconiae Ciconiae) is sweet. It is nontoxic, treating demonic
and worm influx and the five cadavers 412 causing disease in the heart and
abdomen.

In spring, Yuan Qing (Daphnes Genkwae) offers its flower to be taken. For
that reason, it is called Yuan Qing (Evergreen Daphne). In autumn.

111 The five cadavers include flying cadaver (fei shi), fleeing cadaver (dun shi), cold
cadaver (hint s hi), bereaved cadaver (sang shi), and cadaverous influx (shu zhu).
This is a general term for fatal infectious disease.

IMS

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

[Daphnes Genkwae] offers Di Dan (Meloe Coartatus). 413 [Meloe Coartatus,]
which has a black head and red tail, is toxic, mainly treats worm toxins
and wind influx. In autumn, people take Ge Hua (Flos Puerariae).
Therefore, [Flos Puerariae] is called Ge Shang Ting Zhang (Over-pavilion
Vine).

That which branches from the root of mulberry and emerges from earth is
named Fu She (Lying Snake). It treats heart pain. Sang Gen Bai Pi (Cortex
Radicis Mori Albi) is the white bark of the mulberry root. It is usually
collected in the fourth month but may be collected any time [throughout
the year]. That [part of the root] which is seen above the earth is called Ma
Ling (Horse Collar). Do not collect it because its toxins may kill people.

He Huan (Albizzia Julibrissinis) grows in Yu Zhou 414 in rivers and valleys.
The tree looks like Gou Gu Shu (Ilex Comuta). 415

Shi Fei (Calcitum) is also called Shi Gan (Stone Liver). Shiny black with red
striations, it looks like an upside-down liver. Once put in water, it becomes
dry. 416 It mainly boosts the qi and brightens the eyes. It is produced in the
water.

Shi Pi (Limonitum) 417 is also called Wei Shi (Stone Stomach) and Shen Shi
(Stone Kidney). It has a red texture. It mainly treats cold and heat in the
stomach.

413 This sentence implies that Di Dan (Meloe Coartatus) is the root of Daphnes.
Actually, it is an insect growing around the root of Daphnes. This insect is then
caught and dried in autumn.

414 Its precincts were roughly those of present-day Henan Province.

415 These two kinds of tree do not resemble one another.

416 According to descriptions in other reliable works, like the Zhong Guo Yi Xue Da
Ci Dian (A Dictionary of Chinese Medicine), the meaning of this sentence is, "Taken
out of water, it immediately becomes dry."

417 This is a slightly yellow stone, bean-shaped with red striations

186

Addendum

Qing Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Indicum) is sour and balanced. It is nontoxic,
mainly nourishing the qi of the liver and gallbladder. Chi Shi Zhi
(Halloysitum Rubrum) is sour. It is nontoxic, nourishing the heart qi.
Huang Shi Zhi (Hallyositum Aureum) is balanced of flavor. It is nontoxic,
mainly nourishing the spleen qi. Bai Shi Zhi (Hallyositum Album) is sweet.
It is nontoxic, mainly nourishing the lung qi. Hei Shi Zhi (Hallyositum
Atrum) is sweet. It is nontoxic, mainly nourishing the kidney qi, fortifying
yin and yang, and [treating] intestinal erosion diarrhea and dysentery.

Ceng Qing (Azuritum) is produced in the famous mountains of Shu
Prefecture where copper is produced. Ceng Qing (Azuritum) is produced
on the south side of these mountains. [The color] green-blue 418 is the
essence of copper and [therefore] is able to transform into golden and
copper.

Lu Zhi (Adeps Cervi) may make one impotent if one is in [constant] contact
with it.

Yuan (Milvus Korchun) keeps away ill matters. It grows in Huai Nan. 419

Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) is also named Shui Huai (Water
Scholartree).

Ren Dong (Ramus Lonicerae Japonicae) is sweet. Prolonged taking may
make the body light.

Ling Ruo (Campsis Grandiflora) grows in low, damp lands and in water.
It blooms in the seventh and eighth months. Its flower is purple and it
looks like the golden flower of Zi Cao (Lithospermum Seu Arnebia). It may
dye cloth. After being boiled, it may be used to wash the hair which will
turn black in no time.

4IH In the name ( eng (Jing, the word qing means green-blue.

I e , south of the I hint Kivet

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic

General Index

Xuan (Hemerocallis Fulva) is also called Wang Yu (Worry-freeing Weed),
Yi Nan (Good for Men) and Qi Nu (Woman Discrimination).

When the tiger roars, wind will blow. When the dragon booms, clouds will
gather. Magnetitum (Ci) can attract needles, and Succinum (Hu) can pick
up mustard seeds. When Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata) meets with Xie
(Eriocheir Sinensis), it is dispersed. When Ma (Semen Cannabis Sativae)
meets with Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata), 420 it will cause ejection. If Gui
(Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae) meets with Cong (Bulbus Allii Fistulosi), it
will become soft. If the (lacquer) tree touches Cassia, it will wither. 421 Rong
Yan (Alkali) exists in the form of overlying eggs, while Ta Dan (Fel Lutrae
Lutrae) is divided when it is put in the cup. [All this shows that things] are
interrelated although their qi are different. They act upon each other.

420 Qi (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata) is toxic. If one is poisoned by it, Xie (Eriocheir
Sinensis) may resolve it. One action of Ma (Semen Cannabis Sativae) is
downbearing to treat, for example, constipation and scanty urine. If it meets with
Xie (Eriocheir Sinensis), its downbearing action will become reversed. Then it will
upbear.

421 The translator has failed to find an authentic explanation for the preceding two
sentences.

A

A Barefoot Doctor's Manual, vi
A Classic & Historic [Work]: A Materia
Medica for Emergencies, iv
abscesses, flat, 6-10,12,16,21,37,38,
45, 48,55,57, 64, 66, 67, 73, 77, 78,

82.86.88.103.106.108.131.135

abdomen, enlarged xv, 35, 63, 69-71,

105-107,113

abdomen, hardness and pain in, 13
abdomen, severe pain in the heart
and, 26

abdomen, water qi in the, 29
abdominal heat pain, 48
abdominal mounting qi, 103
abdominal pain, xiii, xv, 3,10,33,34,
45, 49, 63, 65, 75, 80, 88,102-105,
114,116,120,135,141
abdominal pain, cute xiii
abdominal rumbling, 65
abortion, 3,26, 82,101,105,126,129,

132.135

abortion, induces, 3,26,105,129,132,
135

abscesses and swelling, 130
aching pain everywhere, xiii
aging, slow, 23, 26,27, 29,32-36, 47,
83, 84, 89,91, 93, 95,100,103,115,
139,140,142
allergic skin rashes, 30
anus, splitting of the 37
anus, swollen tubercles or pustulation
around the, 37
appendicitis, 145
appetite, no, xvi
arched-back rigidity, xv
arthritis, rheumatic, 87
assistants, iii, ix-xi

B

hack, pain and rigidity of tin* upper
and lower,

back, rigidity of in children, 90
baldness, 10, 64, 79,80,113
bandit wind, 14,59, 73, 78,124
belching, 66

Ben Cao Gang Mu, iv, vii, 116
bend or stretch, inability to, 26,59
beng lou, 10

bladder, heat bound in the, 28
bleeding wounds, 36
blindness, xvi, 3,11,36,43, 77,118,
120,130,140

blindness, clear-eye, 3,36, 77,118,120
blindness, night, 130
blood amassment in the lower burner,
87

blood block, xvi, 6,16,42,45, 48,58,
60, 69, 72,101,114,115,123,126,
131,145

blood diseases, 102
blood, dribbling of, from the vagina,
10

blood ejection, xiii, xv, 67, 111, 114,
119,120,139,142,146
blood, hacking of, 49,52
blood impediment, 20, 49, 83, 97, 99
blood, malign, 10,43,49, 79,120,121,

124.131.149

blood, precipitation of, 6,9
blood stasis, xiv, 9, 21, 29,35, 36,54,
60, 66-69,99,113,121,123,131,

145.149

blood stasis in the five viscera, 29

bone damage, xvi

bone pain, 120

bones, broken, xvi, 46

bones, heat in the, 31

bones, steaming, 47,55,67,93,125,

141

brain, shaking, 26
bravery and undauntedness, 18
breast milk stoppage, 41,43
breath, bad, 142

breath, inability to catch one's, 13,112

188

The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica

breathing, faint, 112

breathing, inhibited, xv, 88

breathing, rough, 24

burns, 13,26, 35, 48, 57, 77, 78,92,133

c

cadavers, five, 183
canthi, injured, 34,107,123
canthi, ulcered 14
Cao Yuan-yu, v

center, damaged, 20-22, 25, 26,42,46,
101,109,114,116,120,121,123,
147,149

chest and rib-side pain, 29, 65,84
chest binding, 65,98,143
chest, bound heat in the, 35
chest, bound phlegm in the, 77
chest, enduring cold in the, 5
chest fullness, xvi, 34,50, 51, 65, 69, 74
chest fullness and glomus, xvi
choleraic disease, 31, 73, 87, 96
Cinnabar, 2, 17,82,100,116,122,123,
132,155,159,167
clove toxins, 34

cold damage, xv, 17, 28, 37, 46, 51,53,
69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 87, 96, 97,100,
103-108,115,117,119,142,143
collapse, 31,113,119,158
collapse, sudden, 112
concretions and conglomerations, xvi,
3,6,15,16, 26,31,43,44,47,54,

55, 69, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79,88, 94, 98,
101,102,106,113,117,125,126,
127,132,136

consciousness, loss of, xi, 31,60,108,

119

consciousness, sudden loss of, xi, 60
constipation, 74,108,143,186
corpse, hidden, 15,19,133,134
cough, xv, xvi, 5, 6, 9,15,18, 20,21,

24, 26,28, 39, 41, 43, 45-48, 50-53,
59, 61, 62,65, 69-76, 81, 82, 85-88,
96-101,104,106,109,112,115,116,

124,125,133,140,143,145
cough, enduring, 81,109,125
cough, lung heat, 48
cough, phlegm 69
cough, taxation, 20
cough with ejection of pus, blood, 59
crippling wilt, 59, 73

D

damp impediment, 5, 19,21-23,25, 26,
29,33,38-39,47, 50,59, 61, 63, 66,
72-73, 81, 83, 87, 89, 92, 95, 98-99,
106-107,118,125,130,137,149
Dao Guang, vi
dead blood, 96

deafness, xvi, 3,11,18, 68, 98,105,

115,133

deafness, kidney vacuity, 11
death, premature, 27
defecation, abnormal xvi
delirium, 119,134

delivery, difficult 26, 52, 61,125,134
delivery, hasten, 44,120,126,148
demonic influx, xiii, xv, xvi, 14, 33, 35,
38,45, 64, 71, 74, 76, 82,84,104,
112,129,130,132-135,145
demonology, vii, 2
derangement, xiii, 2
dermatoses, 95

diarrhea, xv, 3,5, 6, 9,10,14,15,19,

24, 28,29,31,35,37,42,47-51,62,
70, 72, 73, 87, 91, 93, 96, 98,101,
105,112,114,120,142,151,185
diarrhea, cold, 10,120
disease, enduring, 24
diseases, sudden, 27
dizziness, 4,22,23,44,58,75,83,121
dizziness, wind head, 44
dizziness, wind phlegm, 83
dog bite, rabid 38
dreams, ghost, 31,113,119,120
dribbling block, 18, 33
drinker's nose, 96,100,114

190

General Index

drinking, massive, 13
drooling and spitting, 92
dysentery, xv, 5, 6,9,14,26,31,33,34,
37,46,48-50,52,56,62,63, 65,69,
72, 73,76, 79,91,93,96,98-100,
103,105, 111, 112,114-116,120,
138,139,141,142,145,150,151,
157,158,185

dysentery, blood, 46, 63, 111, 141,145,
150

dysentery, cold, 73
dysentery, enduring, 138
dysentery, red, 14
dyspepsia, 35,113
dysphagia-occlusion, 73,88,99, 120

E

ear and eye diseases, purulent 126
ears, ringing in the, 98
elixirs of immortality, x
emaciation, xvi, 15,25,35,42,47, 74,
101,113,140,147
enuresis, 26, 60,107,114,134
enuresis, gestational and postpartum,
60

envoys, iii, ix-xi, xviii, 159,162-165,
167-169, 173-177,181,182
epidemic qi, 27
epidemics, 27,31,46, 75
epilepsy, xi, xvi, 9,12,15, 26-28,31,

37, 59, 62, 66, 67, 70, 73, 74, 77, 81,
97,111-113,119-121,123,124,
129-134

erosion sores, 13,16,91,109
Issentials from the Golden Cabinet , 53
expiry and damage, 31,32,54,61, 92,
95,108,116

extremities, tremor of the, 74
eye diseases, purulent ear and, 127
eye heat, redness, pain, 118
eye pain, 3-5, 0, 14, 30, 34, 46, 81,107
eye screen, 99, 120, 123, 126, 132,135
eye, while membrane in 36, 124

eyebrows, falling, 16
eyelid, wind ulceration of the, 14
eyes and mouth, deviated, 125
eyes, dry, 48

eyes, dull yellowing of the skin &, 46
eyes, high pressure in the, 81
eyes, itching of the, 58
eyes, red, 14,36,65,77,87,123
eyes, red, painful, wounded, 90
eyes, sore, red, 36,123
eyes, yellowing of the, 98

F

face and eyes, puffy swelling of the,
69-70,118,141

face, black patches on the, 91, 123
face, black spots on the, 20
face, boils on the, 98, 100, 113
face, heat black complexion of the, 108
face, red boils on the, 100
face, removes black patches from, 38
face, swollen, 71, 101, 126, 142, 143
facial complexion, black, 24
facial complexion good and shiny, 20,
34

facial complexion harmonious, 423, 88
faintness, 35, 60, 66,1201
falls and knocks, 36, 60,121,145
fatigue, xvi, 17,19,46
fecal incontinence, 112
fecal stoppage, xv, 55,68,69,91,105,
106,112
feet, cold, 57
feet, cold damp, 62
feet, numbness of the, 106
feet, swollen, 32, 62,80,81
feet, weak, 54,103
fetus, dead, 54,57, 87,91
fetus, quiets the, 20,33,54,90,114,

142

fever, xv, 3,5, 6,11-14,24,31, 35,39,
45-47, 51-55, 59,64,65, 69, 70, 78,

80, 85, 93, 95-97, 99,101,103,107,

191

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

General Index

108.116.125.126.134.146
fever and chills, alternating, xv, 60
fever, generalized, 5,11,35, 54,59,64,

95.101.146

fever, great, 6,11,14,35,52,108
fever in the limb joints, 96
fever, intense, 24,31,52,103,134
fever, low 35,46

fever persisting within the skin, 39
fever, tidal, 13,47, 55
fire depression of the triple burner, 99
fire hidden in the blood, 67
fire sores in children, 99
fistulas, xvi, 7,9,10,13,37,38,52,59,
66, 79, 81, 82,117,123,131,135
five accumulations, 76
flesh binding, 67
flesh impediment, 76
flesh, itching in the, 4
flooding, xvi, 9,10,38,43,54, 60, 69,
75,101,104, 111, 114,116,119,

121,123,124,126,138,142
flooding and leaking, 10,38,114,142
fontanel in children, non-closure of
the, 125

food accumulation or aggregation,
xvi, 28,98,143
food, aversion to, 96
food damage, 9,17,114
food, no desire for, 47
foot qi puffy swelling, 106
foot wilting, 26
formication, 4,101
foul smell above the diaphragm, 50
fright, xvi, 2,13,15, 20,24,26,28,31,
35,44,45,59,62,65-67,73,77,81,
85-87,97,111-113,115,117,
119-121,123,124,129-134,138
fright evil, xvi, 28

fright palpitations, 2,24, 66,81, 86,87,
120

fright qi, 44,45, 97
fright wind, enduring, 35

G

gan, 13,15, 20,23,35, 39,50, 69, 70, 74,
78, 95,113,123,126,130,139,160,
162-165,167-174,176-181,184
gan, heat, 35
genital cold and heat, 42
genital damp itch, 89,96,103
genital erosion, 5,6,9,10, 67, 80, 81,
91,103,109,122,125,126
genital itching, 15,83
genital swelling, 15,34,37,58-59, 78,

122.125

genitals, lodged blood in the, 122
genitals, swollen, in females, 58
ghosts, malign, 2,120
ghosts, ravaging, 27
goiters, xvi, 52, 65, 75, 79,124
goiters and tumors, xvi, 64, 79,124
Great Outline of Materia Medica, iv, vii
grip things, inability to, 11
growth in children, retarded, 95
gu toxins, xiii, xv, xvi, 11,12,14, 27,

31,36-38, 41,45, 59, 70-72, 74, 76,
79,80, 82-84,103-105,113,116,

120,129-135,140

H

hacking of blood, 49, 52
hallucinations, 7

hands, vexatious heat in the palms, 41
headache, cold damage, 87
headache, hemilateral, 83
headache, jue yin 99
headache, phlegm inversal, 83
headache, wind, 22,51,120
headache, yang ming, 13,45
head and back of the neck, stiffness in
the, 51

head shaking, 74

head sores, 6,15, 66,72,81,86,103,

113.126

head spinning, 41, 46

head, swollen, 58

head wind, 23,32,57,58, 66, 75,91,
103,106,108,116,123,130
heart and abdomen, severe pain in
the, 26

heart and abdominal fullness, 29,106
heart, bound qi in the, 28,43,55
heart, burning sensation in the, 103
heart, counterflow qi below the, 13
heart disease, 17,156
heart fire, 17, 23,34, 39,48, 52,57
heart, hard mass below the, 15
heart pain, 31, 68, 76, 78,83,88,99,
104,112,184

heart, pain below the, due to worry,
86

heart suspension, 33
heart taxation, xvi
heat and pain, generalized dull, 56
heat, great, due to food and drink, 74
hemafecia, xv, 3,36,96,114,119,120,
122,142,146,150
hemiplegia, 19
hemorrhoidal bleeding, 36
hemorrhoidal worms, 16
hemorrhoids, xvi, 6, 7,10,15,16, 37,
38, 57, 66, 77, 78, 82,91,92,98,

109,113,114,122,124-126,130-132
hemorrhoids, intestinal, 37, 91,131,
132

hepatomegaly, 145
Huang Di Nei Jing, i
Huang Shi, vi, 6, 7,160,161,185

ih k

immortality, elixirs of, x
impotence, 5,10,26, 28,29,32, 33, 37,
47, 61, 70, 78, 80,103-104,120-123,
124,131,151

incised wounds, xvi, 4, 9,13, 23, 27,

34, 39, 45, 46, 53, 63-66, 71, 73, 77,

116, 121, 142, 143, 147
incontinence, fecal, 112
indigestion, xvi, I r >, 25

infectious disease, xiii, 183
infertility, 5,10,15,16,39, 42, 45, fd,
64,102,114,124,126,132, 145
injured sinews, 76,123
insect bite toxins, 35,50
insomnia, 2,55,91,92,99
intestinal afflux, xv, 6, 34, 37, 48 50 , 77

intestinal erosion, 185

intestinal hemorrhoids, 37, 5|, 1 17.

133

intestines, dry 19

intestines, rumbling, 3, 54, <> 5 , 75

itching, addictive 30

itching, generalized wind, 77

itching in the flesh, 4

itching of the eyes, 58

itching, severe, 30

itching, tormenting, 58

itchy scabs, 78, 80, 87, 8<», I Of*

jaundice, acute, 12

jaundice, hound heat, 47

jaundice, fetal, 32

jaw, clenched, 35, 74, 97, 105, 132

I in Gui, 54

Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao, iv
joint pain, generalized, 51
joint pain, migratory, 3
joint-running pain, 59, 73, 83,107
joints, bound qi in the hundreds of,
120

joints, fever in the limb, 96
joints, impediment in the, 44
joints, lodged heat in the, 78
joints, wind cold clinging to the
humors in the, 26
joints, water inside the bone, 63
knee, pain in the, 73,149
knees, pain in the lumbus and, 32,43,
89,121,139

kidney accumulation, xv
kidney disease, 156
kidney vacuity deafness, 11

I

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

L

lacquer sores, 99,126
lactation, difficult, 5,22,43,46,53,
121,123

lactation, promotes, 9,10,13,38,116,
143

lai disease, 16,37,96
lai, red, 100
lai, white, 100

Large Dictionary of Chinese Medicinals,
vi

leg, sores on the lower, 15
legs, heaviness and aching pain in the
lower, 75

legs, sores on the lower, 15
lice on the skin, 2
limb distention, 59
limb fullness, 60

limb joints, pain in the, 11, 20,48, 80
limbs, aching pain in the, 63, 83,92,
114

limbs, cold, 11,23, 73,141
limbs, heaviness of the, xiii, 125,138
limbs, heaviness and weakness of the,
125

limbs, hypertonicity of the, 26, 71
limbs, insensitivity of the, 20,96
limbs, obstinate impediment of the, 21
limbs, puffy swelling of the, 52, 70
limbs, face, and eyes, puffy swelling
of the, 70

limbs, reversal cold of the, 11,23, 73
limpness, 103

lips and mouth, dryness of the, 41
listlessness, 46
lockjaw, 64,83,132
longevity, extreme, x
lower burner, blood amassment in
the, 87

lumbago, 20,43,46,63,88,90,114,

123,125

lumbus, pain in the, 26,29,32,43,63,
89,115,122-123,126,139

lumbus and knees, pain in the, 32,43,

89,122,141
lung abscesses, 65
lung fire, 13,24,41,48,92,93
lung heat rapid panting, 60
lung wilting, 29,41,43,52,62
lung wilting ejection of blood, 41
lying beam, 76

M

macular eruption, 55
madness, 15, 37, 81,112,123,130-132
malaria, mother of 74
malaria, warm, xv, 28,39,51,59,60,
71, 74, 78, 79, 83,105,113,117,132
mania, 12,34, 79, 97,108, 111, 112,
119,120,134
mania, heat, 34
manic vexation, 14
masses in the rib-side region, xiii
medicinals, cold, ii, xiii
medicinals, hot, ii, xiii, 73
medicinals, inferior class, ix, x, 153
medicinals, medium class, x
medicinals, superior class, ix, 153
medicinals, toxic, xii-xiv
medicinals, wound, xiii
Medicine in China: A History of
Pharmaceutics , iii, vi, vii
memory, 21,32, 34, 57,123
menses, desiccated 41
menstrual block, 15, 68, 74,124,131,
133

menstruation, postmenopausal
recommencement of, 48
mental disorders, 7,27,106
mental-neurological problems, xi
miasmic evils, 27
mind, confused, 60
ministers, iii, ix-xi, 182
miscarriage, threatened, 105
moles and polyps, black, 16
mounting conglomeration, 27,28,49,

194

General Index

51, 53, 69, 70, 74, 82,106,123,133
mouse fistulas, 7,9,13,37,59,65, 66,
79, 81, 82,117,135
mouse scrofulas, 55
mouth, bitter taste in the, 46
mouth, deviated eyes and, 124
mouth, deviated, 105,126
mouth, dry, xvi, 13,33,41
mouth, foaming at the, 70
mouth, parched, 85, 86
mouth, putrefying, 36
mouth with foul smell, 36
muscles, dead, 4, 7,13,16,19,26,33,
59, 72, 78,97,106,108,126,129,

135,141

muscles, putrefied, 13

N,0

nasal congestion, 50,58, 65,90,98,
121,146

nasal congestion, deep-source, 58,90
nasal disorders, 91
nasal polyps, 9,121
nausea, 47

neck, rigidity of the, 133
nettle rash, 30
night blindness, 130
night sweats, 34,100,102,118
nipple moth, 35
nodulation, xiv, 94
nose, drinker's, 96,100,113
nosebleed, 15,48-50,63,69, 79, 111,
119,121,139

(Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise
Guide , vi
ooze, red, 14,146

P

pain, generalized, xv, 47
palpitations, fearful, 85
panting, 13, 15, \ l K 24. 47. M, 60-62,

65,69, 70, 74,81,96-98,101,106,
124,142,143

panting and chest fullness, 69
panting, rapid, 60,106
papules, dormant, 30
papules, wind, 34,99,116
paraplegia, 61

parasites, 3,16,20,79,89,101,105,

107,108,132,141
penis, pain in the, 43, 61
perspiration, absence of, xv
pestilential qi, 41
pestilential wind, xi
phlegm, congesting heat, 97
phlegm fullness, 14
phlegm, obstinate, 72
pinworms, 3,16,78
placenta, retention of the, 52
postpartum blood desertion, 55
postpartum blood vacuity, 50
postpartum retained blood, 99
postpartum vacuity vexation, 36
pox sores, 88,119

pregnancy and birthing, conditions
related to, 63

pregnancy, vaginal bleeding in, 46
Prescriptions [Worth] a Thousand [Pieces
of] Gold , iv

pulse, arrhythmic, xiii
pulse, chaotic, xiii
pulse, expired, 120

Q,R

Qian Jin Pang, iv
rales in the throat, 70,105
rash, nettle, 30
rashes, allergic skin, 30
recognize people, inability to, 59,112,
120

rectum, prolapse of the, 36, 76, 111,
124,125

retching and vomiting, xvi, 2,19, 31,
52, 58, 75, 97

195

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

rheum, hidden, 70, 77
rheum, propping, 70
rheumatic arthritis, 87
rib-side fullness, 66
rib-side region, masses in the, xiii
rib-side wind pain, 87
roundworms, 3,14,31,82,146
running piglet, xv, 27,130,143

s

sand strangury, 35
scab sores in horses, 108
scab worms, 79,120
scabs, 2, 6,10,12-14,16, 31, 57,59, 64,
72, 77, 78, 80-82,86,106,126
scabs, itchy, 78, 80,82, 86,107
scalp sores, bald white, 2, 81,86,113
scrofulas, 14, 55, 66, 71,77-81,106,
116,131

scrotal damp itch, 36
semen, scanty, 99
seminal efflux, 100,122,139
seminal emission, 26,32,43,44,46,
111, 116,121-123,138,139
senility, x, 2-5,9,10,17,18, 20, 21, 25,
28-30,33,34, 38, 39,42, 88,90,96,

115.116.121.137

senility, prevent, 2-5,9,10,17,18,21,
25, 28-30,33, 34,38,39,42,88,90,

96.115.116.137
serious condition, x
sex jaundice, 58

sexual activity, excessive 105
sexual desire, lack of, 70
sinews and bones, broken, 46
sinews, debility of the, 95
sinews, hypertonicity of the, 26,29,
45, 97,103,113,149
sinews, severed, 20, 88
sinews, sprained, 20,22, 67,121
skin aching pain, 71
skin and eyes, dull yellowing of, 46
skin cold and heat, alternating, 81

skin disease, 33

skin, fever persisting within the, 39
skin heat, 38,48

skin, insensitivity of the, 610,1413
skin rashes, allergic, 30
skin, reddening of the, 64
sleeplessness, 92
snake toxins, 12, 81,119
sneezing, 108
snivel, copious, 58
soreness and aching, 11
sores on the fingers, toes, palms,
acute, infectious, suppurating, 64
sores and tumors, xiii
sores, malign, xvi, 5-7,10,12,16,
37-39,48,52, 56, 64, 66, 67, 72,
77-82, 86, 97,113,121,122,125,
129,132-135,146
sores on the lower leg, 15
sores, putrefying, 67, 79
sores, wet, spreading, 64
sovereigns, iii, ix
speak, inability to, 108
speech, delirious, 7, 69,106
spillage rheum, 70
spirit, clouded, 2,105,106
spirit, quiets the, 18, 24
splenomegaly, 1475
sputum, copious, 92
stand up for long, inability to, 114
steaming bones, 48, 55,67,93,126,
143

stomach distention, 4
stomach duct, distention and fullness
of the, 47

stomach fire, 13,41
stomach qi, unbalanced, 138
stomach reflux, 15,96,114
stomachache, unbearable, xiii
stools, bound dry, 47
stools, sloppy, 46

strangury, 9, 26,31,35, 52, 57, 82, 91,
103, 111, 119,122,132,134,135,

196

General Index

139,146

strangury, stone 9,122,132,135, 146
stretch, inability to bend or, 26, 29, 59
stroke, malign, xi, xv, 54
summerheat, xv, 1,5,6,13,17,51,117
summerheat damage, 17
supraorbital pain, 58, 75
sweating, xv, 19,20,23,24,31,32,44,
45,50,51,58,60,63-66,70,72,73,
75, 87,98,100,101-104, 111, 112,
116,133,138,142,143
sweating, absence of, 51
sweating, copious, shortage of blood,
59

sweating due to being caught in the
rain, 31

sweating in a draft during sleep, 20
sweating, spontaneous, xv, 24,45,87
sweating, vacuity, 103
sweating, yellow, 32,58, 70
sweats, night, 34,100,101,118
sweats, rolling, 31
swelling, generalized, 62
swelling toxins, 35,123
swellings, xiv, xvi, 4, 6,14,23,31,33,
53, 56, 57, 59, 63, 65, 70, 71, 78, 79,
82, 90,104,106,108,116,122,127,
129,134,149,150

T

taxation consumption, xiii
tearing, 3, 20,23,26, 30,34,36,46, 56,
58, 81, 90,107,108,123
teeth, broken, with swollen gums, 106
testicles, swollen, 79
tetany, 9,19, 27,53, 67,71,97,
111-113,115,129,133
tetany, wind, 53, 97
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, I
thirst, vexatious, 5, 24, 35, 47, 55, 60
thirst, wasting, xvi, 5, 14, 29, 32, 42,
52,54,64,68,93, 103, 115, 123,

148, 152, 160
throat abscess, 29

throat, bones stuck in the, 67,118, 142
throat, foul smell in the, 48
throat impediment, xvi, 35, 434, 53,
554, 61, 65, 74,82,83,88,100, 105,
118,123,124,132,135,142, 143
throat, rales in the, 70,105
throat, sore, xvi, 55, 65, 74, 75
throat, swollen, 33,70,118
throat, swollen and sore, 75
tongue bleeding. 111
tongue, distended, 36
tongue, double, 131,132
tongue, dry, 85, 86
tongue, parched, 13,33
tongue sores, 36
tongue, worrying, 81
tooth decay, 9,64,106
toothache, xvi, 13,27, 29,35,47, 58,

65, 76,105,123,131
toxic insects and lice, 10
tremor of the extremities, 74
trunk, puffy swelling of the, 63,140
tubercular lymphadenopathy, 7
tuberculosis, xiii
tugging and slackening, 67
turmoil, sudden, xv, 62,73

urinary block, dribbling, 5, 29, 33, 111,
133,135

urinary stoppage, 28,57
urination, frequent, 33,100,114,116,
122,123

urination, inhibited, xv, 33,101,116,
133

urination, yang debility frequent, 100

urination, pain in, 33

urine, light yellow, 46

urine, reddish, 47,56

urine, scanty, 186

urine, turbid, 138,139

urine, yellow or reddish, 47

urine, yellow, 35, 46

197

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

uterine bleeding, 113
vacuity taxation, 19, 20,24,25,43,59,
103,114,116,121
vaginal bleeding, 104
vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, 46
vaginal discharge, xvi, 5,43,44,47,

54, 63, 75,99,102,109-113,114,

117.118.122.124.125.140.141
vaginal discharge, red and white, 6,

35,58,91,102,110,114,117,135
vertex, pain at the, 58
vessels, cold invading and congesting
the, 20

viscera, heat in the five, 4, 66,91
vision, blurred, 11, 23,58, 96,121
vomiting, xi, xv, 2,3,14,15,19,23,

24,31,41,47,50,52,58,66,71, 75,
77, 97,100,116

vomiting, counterflow, 15, 23, 71, 77
vomiting, internal vacuity, 24
vomiting on eating, 15

w

walk, inability to, 73
warts, 16

wasting thirst, xvi, 5,14, 29, 32, 42, 52,
54, 65, 68, 93,103,115,122,146,
150,158

water inside the bone joints, 62
water swelling, xv, 29,42,58 62, 63,
65, 66, 71,80, 82, 86,100,105,106,
118,150

welling abscesses, xiii, xvi, 4, 6,13-15,
33,46,56,57,59, 63, 65, 70, 71,
77-79,81,82,90,104,106,108,116,

122.127.129.134.141

wilting, 19,20,26,29,41,43,52,62,

91,104,105

wind, aversion to, 23, 45, 72, 80
wind damp impediment, 5,26,29,50,
59,87,130

wind disease,all kinds of, 21
wind heat toxins, wandering, 34

wind impediment, 3,13, 20, 34, 38, 48,
59, 73, 88, 97,104,105,108,113
wind phlegm congestion, 59
wind stroke, xv, 4,13,17, 20, 43,45,
51,58,60, 63, 64,67, 71-73, 87, 96,
97,105,112,113,123,133,142
withdrawal and epilepsy, xvi, 12, 70
withering, hemilateral, 115,141
wits, sharpens the, 17,21, 24
women's diseases, 30,33,48, 54
worms, xiii, 2-4, 7,11,15,16,19, 29,
33,35, 37,45, 57, 61, 64, 70, 72,
74-82, 89, 95-99,101,104-109,113,
116,120,123,132-134,145,153,
178-179

worms and insects, toxic, 7
worms, lichen, 64
worms, long, 78, 95,134
wound medicinals, xiv
wounds, xvi, 4, 9,12,13, 23, 27, 33, 34,
36, 39,46, 47, 53, 63-66, 71, 73, 77,
116,121,142,143,147
wounds, bleeding, 36
wounds, incised, xvi, 4, 9,13, 23, 27,
34,39,45,47,53, 63-66, 71, 73, 77,
116,121,142,143,147
wounds, malign, 12

yin vacuity with upflaming fire, 31
Zhong Yao Da Ci Dian, vi

198

Medicinal Index in Latin

A

Actinolitum, 10, 161,182
AdepsAnas, 115

Adeps Elaphuri Davindiani, 129, 178

Adeps Ursi, 113

Alkali, 14,155,159,163,166,170,188
Alumen, 5, 160, 162, 168, 179
Arillus Euphorbiae Longanae, 96,

157, 171
Arsenolitum, 13
Asarum Forbesium, 185
Azuritum, 3, 4, 12, 155, 159, 160,

162, 164, 176, 180, 187

B

Blatta Orientalis, 185
Bromus Japonicus, 185
Bufo Bufo, 127, 133
BulbusAllii, 142, 188
Bulbus Allii Fistulosi, 142, 188
Bulbus Fritillariae, 53, 105, 160, 163,
165, 166, 168, 170, 171, 178

C

Calcareous Spar, 11, 174
Calculus Bovis, 112, 177
Capsella Bursa-pastoris, 185
Carapax Amydae Sinensis, 125
Caulis Akebiae, 57
(era Alba, 116, 178
Chalcabthitum, 159
( icada, 52, 55, 123
Cinnabar, 2, 17, 82, 100, 116, 122,

123, 132, 155, 159, 167
( ompound of Tin & Copper, 16
< 'oncha Cyclinac Sinensis, 124, 163,
178

( oncha Cythirae Meretricis, 163
( oncha Ostreae, 117, 134, 160, 168,
173, 178, 170, 181. 183

Cornu Antelopis Saiga-tatarici, 130,
177

Cornu Bubali, 119
Cornu Caprae Seu Ovis, 120
Cornu Parvum Cervi, 121, 177
Cornu Rhinocerotis, 119, 177
Cortex Ailanthi Altissimi, 158
Cortex Albizziae Julibrissinis, ix, loo
Cortex Catalpae Bungei, 109
Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae, 87, 88,

159, 161, 188

Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis, 88,

160, 165, 173, 177

Cortex Fraxini, 99, 163, 166, 173, I /s
Cortex Magnoliae Obovalae, 95
Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, 96,

167, 168, 174, 176
Cortex Phellodendri, 91
Cortex Radicis Acanthopanacis
Gracilistyli, 103

Cortex Radicis Dictamni Dasycaipi,
59, 165, 169

Cortex Radicis Lycii ( hinensis, 93
Cortex Radicis Mclia A/.ardachis, 108
Cortex Radicis Mori Albi, 101, 163,
175, 186

Cortex Radicis Moutan, 67, 159, 161,
165-167, 169-170
Cortex Rasus Cinnamomi Cassiae,

173, 175

Cortex Rhamni Purshianae, 106
Cortex Ulmi Pumilae, 91, 171
Crinis Carbonisatus, 111
Cuprus Sulphate, 9
Cypraea Asellus, 135
Cypraea Macula, 135
Cypraea Moneta, 135
Cypraea Zicraea, 135

D

Dens Draconis, 112

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

Medicinal Index in Latin

f

;?

E

Eriocheir Sinensis, 126, 179, 188
Euneces Seu Sphenomorphus, 122
Eumenes Pomifomis, 133
Eupolyphaga Seu Opisthoplatia, 131
Exuviae Serpentis, 132, 161, 168,

173, 174, 180

F

Feces Anatis Domesticae, 162
Fel Canis, 178, 179
Fel Cyprini Carpionis, 188
Fel Lutrae Lutrae, 188
Feldspar, 11

Flos Calystegiae Sepii, 38
Flos Campsitis Grandiflorae, 101
Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii, 23, 163,
165, 174

Flos Et Radix Carduntis Crispi, 75
Flos Inulae, 38, 66, 169, 178
Flos Koelreuteriae Paniculatae, 107
Flos Magnoliae Liliflorae, 91, 166,
167, 169, 170, 174, 178
Flos Phaseoli Calcarati, 151, 172
Flos Pruni, 145, 168
Flos Salicis Babylonicae, 108
Flos Sambuci Japonici, 80
Flos Tussilaginis Farfarae, 62, 159,
163, 165, 169, 170, 176
Flos Wikstroemiae Japonicae, 71
Folium Bambusae, 97
Folium Et Ramulus Dichroae
Febrifugae, 172, 178, 179, 182
Folium Polypodii Linguae, 68
Folium Pyrrosiae Linguae, 160, 167,

169

Folium Skimmiae Japonicae, 74
Folium Sterculiae Platanifoliae, 109
Folium Trachelospermi Jasminoidis,
33, 165

Folium Zingiberis Miogae, 159, 169,
176, 180

fossilized Plastrum Chitonis, 167
Fructificatio Aurilae Judae, 102
Fructificatio Polypori Mylittae, 161,
163, 165, 166, 169, 176, 177
Fructus Ailanthi Altissimi, 28
Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae, 96
Fructus Artemisiae Keiskeanae, 164
Fructus Averrhoae Carambolae, 80
Fructus Chaenomelis Lagenariae, 149,
157

Fructus Citri Aurantii, 98
Fructus Corni Officinalis, 98, 164,
167-169, 175

Fructus Elaeagni Pungentis, 157
Fructus Evodiae Rutecarpae, 98, 168,
175. 178

Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae, 79
Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis, 99, 175
Fructus Immaturis Citri Aurantii, 98
Fructus Kochiae Scopariae, 33
Fructus Lagenariae Vulgaris, 146
Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, 90
Fructus Lycii Chinensis, 93, 168
Fructus Meliae Toosendan, 108
Fructus Mori Albi, 101
Fructus Piperis Longi, 157
Fructus Polygoni Hydropiperis, 141,
175

Fructus Pruni Mume, 141
Fructus Pruni Pseudocerasi, 141, 158
Fructus Rubi Chingii, 137, 165
Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, 47,

166

Fructus Trichosanthis

Cucummeroidis, 173
Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii, 54,

168, 171, 172, 175
Fructus Viticis, 45, 89, 137,164,174
Fructus Viticis Viniferae, 137
Fructus Xanthii Sibirici, 60
Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae, 137, 168,

169, 180

Frusta Ferri, 12, 160, 165

G

Galenitum Praeparatum, 15
Gallus Rubrus Masculinus, 114
Ganoderma Alba, 18
Ganoderma Aurea, 17
Ganoderma Nigra, 18
Ganoderma Purpurea, 18, 163
Ganoderma Rubra, 17
Ganoderma Viridis, 17
Gelatinum Corii Asini, 114, 177
Gelatinum Cornu Cervi, 114, 177
Gryllotalpa Africana, 134
Gypsum, 11, 13, 27, 161, 164, 165,
172, 174, 177, 180
Gypsum Fibrosum, 11, 13, 161, 164,
165, 172, 177

H

Haematitum, 15

Hallyositum, 6, 157, 160, 261, 187
llallyositum Aureum, 160, 161, 187
I lerba Adianfi Monochlamydis, 81
I lerba Agrimoniae Pilosae, 172
I lerba Artemisiae Capillaris, 47, 162,
169

I lerba Artemisiae Keiskeanae, 29
I lerba Arathraxi Ciliaris, 81
I lerba Asari Cum Radice, 26, 160-
164, 166, 170, 171, 182
I lerba Bryi Argenti, 162, 166, 173
I lerba Cannabis Sativae, 148
I lerba Carduus Crispi, 166
I lerba Carpesii Abrotanoidis, 35
I lerba Celosiae Argenteae, 77
I lerba Cistanchis Deserticolae, 43, 166
I lerba Cotyledinis Malacophyllae, 81
I lerba Cynanchi Caudati, 38
I lerba Dcndrobii, 25, 167
I lerba Dianthi, 57, 166
I lerba Dichroae Febrifugae, 76
I lerba Fphcdrac, 51, I IS, 161, 161,
160, 167, I /O, 178

Herba Epimedii, 61, 169
Herba Gastrodiae Elatac, 41
Herba Gelsemii Elegantis, 71, 168,
171

Herba Gnaphalii Affincae, 50, | f»f.
Herba Hydrocotyle Asiaticae, o4
Herba Junci Baltici, 33
Herba Justiciae Procumbensis, 6 \
Herba Ligustici Wallichii, 45
Herba Lycopi Lucidi, 63, 170
Herba Musci, 64

Herba Oenanthis Javanieae, Mo, iv>
Herba Patriniae Heterophyllae < urn
Radice, 57, 169

Herba Pedicularis ResupinaOie, o I, I / i
Herba Phragmitis Communis, /8,

165, 172, 173, 177
Herba Physalis Alkekengi, 61
Herba Plantaginis, 29
Herba Polygoni Avicularis, 82
Herba Polygoni Blumei, 14 I
Herba Rhynchosiae Volubilis, 80
Herba Sargassii, 65, 164, 16 /

Herba Schizonepetae Tcnuifoliuc, 66
Herba Sedi Erythrosticti, 35, I /4
Herba Selaginellae Involvcnsis, 42
Herba Sesami Indici, 39
Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici, 71,
164, 168, 169, 171, 175
Herba Seu Radix Cynanchi Paniculali,
84

Herba Solani Lyrati, 32, 64
Herba Sonchi Oleracei, 140
Herba Stachydis Baicalensis, 142
Herba Typhae Japonicae, 36
Herba Usneae Longissimae, 103
Herba Vincetoxici Atrati, 32
Herba Holotrichia Diomphalia, 124,

179

K

Kaolin, 15, 175

200

201

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

L

Lacca Sinica Exsiccata, 95, 164, 168,
169, 174, 177, 179, 188
Larva Apis Ceranae, 116, 178
Lepisma Saccharina, 133
Limax, 124

Limonitum, 6, 155, 160, 186
Luciola Vitticollis, 133, 164
Lumbricus, 134

M

Magnetitum, 11, 159, 161, 180, 188
Malachitum, 12, 13, 162
Massa Medica Fermentata, 141
Mecopoda Elongata, 131
Mel, 115, 181

Meloe Coartatus, 135, 163, 172, 177,
180, 186

Mercurius, 2, 161, 162
Milvus Korchun, 187
Minium, 15

Mirabilitum, 4, 143, 160, 167
Molsa Chinensis, 185
Monema Flavescens, 133, 155, 175
Muscovitum, 4, 155, 159
Mylabris, 135, 155, 176, 179, 180

N

Nephritum, 1, 155, 159, 172
Nidus Vespae, 131, 179
Niter, 160, 164, 170, 174-175
Nodus Rhizomatis Nelumbinis
Nuciferae, 138

O

Oculus Equus, 160

Ootheca Mantidis, 123, 1616, 178,

182

Ophiocephalus Argus, 118
Os Ciconiae Ciconiae, 185
Os Draconis, 112, 163, 167, 177

Os Galli Galli, 162

Os Sepiae Seu Sepiellae, 126, 169, 179

P

Pellis Erinacei, 122, 179
Penis Canis, 121

Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, 93, 94
Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride,
93

Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani,
106, 167, 175-177
Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Simulantis,
107

Periostracum Cicadae, 123
Phryganea Japonica, 132
Plastrum Testudinis, 125, 166, 172,
173, 178

Pollen Typhae, 36, 174
Polyhalitum, 161, 163
Pulvis Fumi Carbonisati, 16

Q

Quartz Crystal, 5, 160

R

Radix Aconiti, 72, 80 155, 160-162,

165, 166, 168, 171-174, ISO-
182

Radix Aconiti Lycoctomi, 80
Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae, 49
Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, 45, 58,

166, 169

Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, 27, 164
Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 39, 167,

169

Radix Aspidii Falcati, 75
Radix Asteris Fastigiati, 62, 164, 170
Radix Asteris Tatarici, 59, 169, 170
Radix Astragali Membranacei, 37,

164, 166, 168-170, 172, 180
Radix Auklandiae Lappae, 31
Radix Buplcuri, xiv, 28 , IS, |6|, 164,

202

Medicinal Index in Latin

166, 168, 182

Radix Cynanchi Baiwei, 60, 168, 169,
178, 181

Radix Dichroae Febrifiigae, 77, 162,
172

Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae, 22, 163,
165, 169, 171
Radix Dipsaci, 166, 175
Radix Et Rhizoma Ligustici
Chinensis, 51, 167
Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei, 69, 160,
168-171, 176-178

Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri, 72, 155,
163-168, 171, 176, 181
Radix Eupatorii Chinensis, 36
Radix Euphorbiae Adenochlorae, 79,
167, 173

Radix Euphorbiae Kansui, 69, 71 164,
171, 178, 179

Radix Forsythiae Suspensae, 84
Radix Fritillariae, 108
Radix Galarhoei Eblactealati, 82, 155
Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae, 48,
167, 168, 173

Radix Gentianae Scabrae, 31 165,

171, 181

Radix Glehniae Littoralis, 44, 165,

171, 178, 181

Radix Glycyrrhizae, 23, 160, 164,
170-173, 178, 180
Radix Iridis Tectori, 74
Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti
Carmichaeli, 72, 73, 179
Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae, xiv,
44, 162, 165, 172, 175
Radix Ligustici Wallichii, 45, 166,

174

Radix Lithospermi Seu Amebiae, 58
Radix Lycii Chinensis, 163
Radix Morindae Officinalis, 32, 165
Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae, 49, 167,
171, 178, 179

Radix Panacis Ginseng, 19,24, 164,
171, 172, 176, 177, 181, 187
Radix Pciiccdani, 78, 165, 166, 168,

175, 181

Radix Peucedani Japonici, 28, lo\
175

Radix Phytolaccae Acinosae, 87
Radix Platycodi Grandifloti, 6\ lo\
169, 170, 175, 179
Radix Podophylli Versipellis, 87
Radix Polliae Japonicae, 58
Radix Polygalae Tenuifohae, 71, In L

164, 169, 171, 177, I / I, I /8
Radix Polygoni Tcnuicaulis, 68
Radix Puerariae, 52, 168, I /6, 180
Radix Pulsatillae Chinensis, /*>

Radix Rehmanniae, 19, 20, 167, 16 l,

165, 166, 177

dry Radix Rehmanniae, 20, lot
Radix Rhei Undulati, 80
Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae, t8, 166
Radix Rubrus Paeoniae I actilloiae,
49

Radix Rumicis Japonici, 80, 174
Radix Salviac Chinensis, 68
Radix Salviac Miltiorrhizae, 55, 68,
165, 166, 171, 175, 179-181
Radix Sanguisorbae Officinalis, 63,
161, 162, 170, 172, 173
Radix Schrophulariae Ningpoensis,
55, 165, 168, 170, 171, 173,
174, 181

Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis, 48,

165, 167, 170, 171, 178-180
Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, 56, 160,
163, 164, 168, 176, 187
Radix Stemonae, 132
Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae, 62, 161,
165, 170, 174, 175

Radix Trichosanthis Cucumeroidis, 68
Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae, xiv
Ramulus Loranthi Seu Visci, 90
Ramus Lonicerae Japonicae, 187
Rana Nigromaculata, 133
Realgar, 7, 155, 170, 172, 173
Resina Pini, 86, 161, 165, 177
Rhizoma Acori Ciraminci, 21, 160,

16 3, 165, 167, 169, 174, 179

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica

Rhizoma Alismatis, 22, 159, 161,

163, 174

Rhizoma Arisaematis, 76, 105
Rhizoma Atractylodis, 19, 156, 162-
164

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae,
19

Rhizoma Belamcandae Chinensis, 74,
172

Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae, 78, 170-
172, 179

Rhizoma Cibotii Barometsis, 56, 169
Rhizoma Cimicifugae, 27
Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis, 32, 160,
165, 167, 170, 171, 174, 176
Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae,

56, 168-170

Rhizoma Dryopteridis, 75, 165, 172
Rhizoma Dysosmae Versipellis, 173
Rhizoma Gastrodiae Elatae, 41
dry Rhizoma Gingiberis, 50
Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae, 60
Rhizoma Paridis Polyphyllae Seu
Tetraphyllae, 81

Rhizoma Paridis Tetraphyllae, 63, 159
Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae, 75, 105,

164, 167, 168, 171, 172, 174,
182

Rhizoma Polygonati, 156, 163, 166
Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati, 163,

166

Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, 162,

172

Rhizoma Typhonii Gigantei, 83
dry Rhizoma Zingiberis, 164, 165,
167-169, 172, 179

S

Sal, 14, 162

Sclerotium Album Poriae Cocos, 85
Sclerotium Omphaliae Lapidescentis,
107

Sclerotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos,

86, 173

Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati, 103
Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, 85, 163,

164, 169, 173, 175, 181, 182
Sclerotium Rubrum Poriae Cocos, 85
Scolopendra Subspinipes, 132, 172
Secretio Moschi, 113
Semen Abutilonis Seu Malvae, 83,
140, 180

Semen Allii Fistulosi, 142, 167, 181
Semen Amaranthi, 140, 178
Semen Astragali Complanati, 43, 165
Semen Benincasae Hispidae, 139
Semen Biotae Orientalis, 86, 161,

173, 176

Semen Caesalpiniae Sepiariae, 37,

178

Semen Cannabis Sativae, 166, 175,
181, 188

Semen Cassiae Torae, 36, 166, 171,
176

Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi, 29,

106, 164, 168

Semen Crotonis Tiglii, 105, 155, 161-
163, 165-168, 176, 180
Semen Curcumeris, 139, 174
Semen Cuscutae Chinensis, 32, 159,
161, 165, 168, 170, 177
Semen Deutziae Scabrae, 107, 164,
176

Semen Euryalis Ferocis, 139
Semen Germinatus Glycinis Hispidae,
149, 181

Semen Hordei Vulgaris, 158, 181
Semen Indigonis, 35
Semen Iridis Pallasii, 61, 176
Semen Leonuri Heterophylli, 30
Semen Lepidii Seu Descurainiae, 69,
105, 171

Semen Nelumbinis Nuciferae, 138
Semen Panici Miliacei, 150
Semen Praeparatus Sojae, 158
Semen Prinsepiae Uniflorae, 90
Semen Pruni, 106, 143, 145, 158,

169, 170, 172, 176, 180-181

Semen Pruni Armcniaruc, 143, 169,

204

Medicinal Index in Latin

170, 172, 176, 180, 181
Semen Pruni Persicae, 145
Semen Ranunculi Sclerati, 25
Semen Rosae Multiflorae, 67
Semen Scopoliae Japonicae, 76, 167,
179

Semen Setariae, 150
Semen Sophorae Japonicae, 92
Semen Zizyphi Spinosae, 92, 174
Slaked Lime, 4, 160
Spica Prunellae Vulgaris, 81, 173
Spina Zizyphi Spinosae, 104
Squama Alligator Sinensis, 126
Squama Alligatoris Sinensis, 159,
160, 179

Stalactitum, 9, 159, 161, 170

Stylopyga Conucina, 124, 160, 163,
177-179, 182

Suberalatum Euonymi Alatae, 104
Sulphur, 10, 179

T

Tabanus Bovinus, 124
Tabanus Trigonus, 123
Talcum, 1 5, 160, 161, 164, 169
Terra Flava Usta, 141
Testes Suis, 130
Trogopterus Seu Pteromys, 129
Tuber Asparagi cochinensis, 19, 162
Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonicie, 42,

162, 163, 170, 173, 176, 179

205

Medicinal Index in Pin Yin

An Lu Zi, 29, 164
Ang Ju, 71

Ba Dou ., 105, 161-163,165,166, 168, 176,
180

Ba Ji Tian , 32, 165
Ifo //do, 105
/ Fu Zi, 83
Hdo, 33
He, 68

Bai Ji, 78, 104, 170-172,179

Bai Jiang, 57, 123,163, 169

Bai Jiang Can, 123, 163

Bai Jiao, 114, 177

Bai Jing Qiu Yin, 134

BaiLian, 77,165,171, 173,178,179

Bai Mo, 32

Bai Mu, 73, 91,174

Bai Qing, 3

Btff Ren, 86

Bai Shi, 5, 6, 10, 86, 160, 173, 176, 187

Bai Shi Ying 5, 160

Bai Sui Cheng Zhong Mu, 109

Bai Tou, 75, 79

Bai Tou Gong, 79

Bai Tu Huo, 38

Bai Wei, 60, 168, 169, 178, 181

Bai Wu, 15,175

Bai Xian, 59, 165, 169

Bai Xian Pi, 165, 169

Bai Zhi, 18, 45, 56, 58, 166, 169, 182

Bai Zhu, xiv, 19

Bai Zi Ren, 86, 161

Bai Zu, 133

Ban Mao, 135, 155, 176, 179, 180
Ban Xta, 75, 105, 164, 167, 168, 171, 172,
174, 182

Bn Mu 53, 105, 160, 163, 165, 166, 168,
170, 171, 178
Bn Xic, 56, 168 170
Bn //, 135
B, Mu, I S7

Bi Zi, 133

Bian Fu, 75, 122

Bian Qing, 3, 4, 160, 162

Bian Xu, 82

Bie Ji, 83

Bie Jia, 125, 145, 167, 179

Cao Hao, 77, 78
Cao Jue Ming, 77

Ceng Qing, 3, 155, 159, 160, 162, 164, 187
Chi Hu, xiv, 28, 45, 161, 164, 166, 168,

182

Chai Qi, 103
Chai Yu, 43
Chan Chu, 127
Chan Tui, 123

Chang Pu, 21, 160, 163, 165, 167, 169,

174, 179

Chang Shi, 11, 160
Che Qian Zi, 29
Chen Pi, 93
Chi Jian, 41
Chi Mu, 52

Chi Shi, 6, 157, 160, 187
Chi Xiao Dou, 149
Chi Zhi, 17
Chong Tai, 56
Chong Wei Zi, 30
Chu Shi, 28, 166
Chuan Jiao, 100
Chuan Zhi Jiao, 1 14
Ci Huang, 10, 155, 175
Ci Shi, 11, 159, 161, 180
Cong Ran, 72
Cong Shi, 142, 167, 181
Cu Jiang, 61

Da Dou Huang Juan, 149
Da Huang, 69, 116, 145, 160, 168-171,
176-178

Da Ji, 30, 71, 164, 168, 169, 171, 175
Da Jiu, 104

207

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica Classic

Da Ma Ren, 148
Da Mai, 158, 181
Da Shi, 69
Da Yan, 14, 162
Da; Zao, 137, 168, 169, 180
DaiZhe , 14, 162, 173
Gzo, 82

Lto Sha , 2, 155, 159, 167

Daw Sfcera, 55, 165, 166, 175, 179, 180

Dan Xiong Ji , 114

Dang Gui, 39, 49, 50, 125, 167, 169
Di Bie , 131

Di Dan , 135, 163, 172, 177, 180, 186
Di Fu , 33, 93
Di Fu Zi, 33
Di Gu, 93
Di Gu Pi, 93

Di Huang, 19, 20, 119, 162, 163, 165, 166,
177

Di Kui, 33, 60
Di Lowg, 134
Di Lou , 54
Di We«, 75
Di Xin, 51

Di Yu, 63, 161, 162, 170, 172, 173

Dong Fang Xu, 80

Dong Gen, 164

Dong Gua Zi, 139

Dong Flui, 16

Dong Kui Zi, 83, 140, 163, 180
Du Gong, 82, 160-162
Du Heng, 58, 185
Du Huo, 27, 164
Du Ruo, 58, 166

Du Zhong, 88, 160, 165, 173, 177
Duo Tai Hua, 101

E Jiao, 114, 177
Er Dan Sha, 155

Fa Bei, 111

Fan Shi, 5, 160, 162, 168, 179

Fang Feng, xiv, 44, 162, 165, 172, 175, 182

Fang Ji, 62, 161, 165, 170, 174, 175

Fang Jie Shi, 162

Fang Kui, 28, 78, 165, 175

Fang Mu, 91

Fang Xiang, 58

Fei Li, 185

Fei Lian, 75, 124, 160, 163, 166, 177-179,
182

Fei Mang, 124
Fei Qing, 75
Fei Zi, 133
Fen Qi, 124
Fen Xi, 15
Feng Chang, 131
Feng Yu, 118
Feng Zi, 116, 178
FuBi, 151, 172
Fu Chang, 48

Fu Ling, 85, 86, 163, 164, 169, 173, 175,
181, 182
Fu Ling Pi, 86
FuPen, 137, 165
Fu Pen Zi, 165
Fu Qing, 12, 180
Fu She, 186
Fu Shen, 86, 173
Fu Yi, 122, 178

Fu Zi, 33, 72, 73, 83, 160, 163,165, 172,
179

Gan Cao, 23, 160, 164, 170-173, 178, 180
Gan Di Huang, 20, 163
Gan Gen, 78
Gan Gua Zi, 139

Gan Jiang, 50, 164, 165, 167-169, 172,174,
179

Gan Qi, 95, 164,168, 169, 174,177
Gan Sui, 69, 71, 163, 164, 171, 178, 179
Gang Qian, 61
Gao Ben, 51, 167
Gao Xi, 155

Ge Gen, 52, 168, 176, 180
Ge Gu, 52
GeHua, 186
Gong Pi, 132
Gou Dan, 178, 179
Gou Gu Shu, 186
Gou Ji, 56, 93, 169
Gou Qi, 93,163, 168
Gou Qi Gen, 163
Gou Qi Zi, 93
Gou Wen, 71, 154, 171
Gou Yin Jing, 121

208

Medicinal Index in Pin Yin

Gu Huo, 83

Gu Shu Pi, 158

Gu Yang Jiao, 120, 177

GuaDi, 139, 140, 171

Gua Lou, 54, 168, 171, 172, 175, 185

Guan Gu, 185

Guan Gui, 87

Guan Jie, 75

Guan Qu, 75

Guan Zhong, 75, 165, 172

Gui Jia, 125, 166,172, 173,178

Gui Jian, 104

Gui Jiu, 82, 173

Gui Mu, 80, 105

Gui Qing, 5 1

Gui Tao, 80

Gui Xin, 87, 173, 175

Gui Yuan, 96

Gui Zhi, xiv, 51, 87

Hai Ge, 124,163, 178
Hai Piao Xiao, 126
Hai Zao, 65, 164, 167, 170
He Huan, ix, 100, 186
Hei Shi, 6,187
Hei Zhi, 18
Heng Shan, 77
Heng Tang, 76

Hou Po, 96, 167, 168, 174, 176

Hou Tao, 91

Hu Go, 77

Hu Juan, 75

Hu Lan, 63

Hu Ma, 147

Hu Wang Shi Zhe, 79

llu Xi, 60

I In Xu, 62

Hu Zhang, 76, 162, 172
llna Ji, 131

Hua Shi, 5, 160, 161, 164, 169
/ luai Mu, 109
Ilnai Zi, 92, 174

/ hum fun, 78, 165, 172, 173, 177

I Iiiiiu Lu, 78

II unrig Bai, 91

Huang Huan, 104, 174, I /S
I luting ling , I Sf>

I lilting I .inn, H, l(»0, lf*‘>, If* I '(), 1/1,

174, 176

Huang Qi, 37, 164, 166, 168-170, 172, 180
Huang Qin, 48, 165, 167, 170, 171, 178-
180

Huang Shi, vi, 6, 7, 160, 161, 187, 218

Huang Shi Zhi, 160, 161, 187

Huang Zhi, 17

Hui Gu, 134

Hui Ri, 158

Huo Mu, 52

Huo Zhi, 155

Ji Gu, 162

Ji Li Zi, 43, 165

Ji Qi Gen, 52

Ji Tou, 139

Ji Xue, 64, 90

Ji Xue Cao, 64

Ji Zhen, 104, 162

JiZi, 72,161, 173,174

Jia Su, 66

Jia Zhu Shi, 103

Jian Hua, 79

Jiao Chuang, 63

Jiao Mu, 100

Jiao Xi, 82

Jie Cao, 157

Jie Geng, 65, 105, 169, 170, 175, 179

Jie Li, 29, 62

Jie Qiang, 135

Jin Cao, 81, 173

Jin Fei Cao, 66

Jing Jie, 66

Jing Tian, 35, 174

Jing Zi, 45, 89, 164, 174

Jiu Jiu, 82

Ju Cao, 61

Ju Hua, 23, 163, 165, 174

Ju Pi, 93, 94

Ju Sheng, 39, 147

Ju You, 93

Juan Bai, 42, 181

Jue Li, 107

Jue Ming Zi, 36, 166

Jun Gui, 87, 159, 161

Ke Dong, 62

Kong Gong Nic , 9 , 161

200

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica Classic

Kong Qing, 3, 176,180
Ku Cai, 140, 160
Ku Lian Gen Pi, 108
Ku Piao, 146,163

Ku Shen , 56, 160, 163, 164, 168, 176, 187
Ku Shi, 56

Kuan Dong, 62, 159, 163, 165, 169, 170,
176

Kuan DongHua, 159, 170

Kuang Mai, 158

Kui Ge, 124

Kui Gen, 168

Kuo Yu, 124

Lan Cao, 36

Lan Gen, 61

Lan Shi, 35

Lang Dung Zi, 76

Lang Du, 82, 155, 164,173, 175

Lang Ya, 77,109,172

Lei Shu, 129

Lei Wan, 107, 161,163, 165, 166, 169,

176.177

Li He, 117, 158, 172
Li He Ren, 172

Li Lu, 72, 155, 163-168, 171, 176, 181
Li Shi, iv, vii, 9, 11, 13, 61, 71, 87, 104,

130.161.164.172.176.177
Li Yu Dan, 118

Lian Chong Lu, 80
Lian Ji Cao, 78
Lian Mu, 52, 108
Lian Qiao, 79
Lian Shi, 108
Lian Zi, 138
Liao Shi, 141, 175
Ling Li, 124
Ling Quan, 104
Ling Ruo, 187
Ling Yang Jiao, 120
Ling Yu, 91

Liu Chu Mao Ti Jia, 129
Liu Hua, 108
Long Chi, 112

Long Dan, 31, 165,171,181
Long Dou, 46

Long Gu, 112, 163,165, 167, 177

Long Sha, 52
Long Wei, 135
Long Yan, 96, 157, 171
Long Zao, 63
Long Zi Dan Yi, 132
Long Zi Yi, 132
Lou Gu, 134

Lou Lu, 38, 162, 168, 176
Lu Chang, 57
Lu Feng Fang, 131, 179
Lu Huo, 80

Lu Jiao, 114, 122, 159, 177
Lu Jiao Jiao, 114
Lu Jiu, 67

Lu Rong, 121, 122, 177
Lu Ru, 79, 167, 173
Lu Xian, 14
Lu Ying, 80, 163, 164
Lu Zhi, 187
Luan Hua, 107,176
Luo Shi, 33, 165
Luo Shou, 65

Ma Bo, 148,177
Ma Chi Xian, 140
Ma Duo, 135, 180
Ma Fen, 148, 181

Ma Huang, 51, 161, 163, 166, 167, 170,
178

Ma Liao, 141
Ma Lu, 132
Ma Mu, 82, 160
Ma Mu Du Gong, 82
Ma Ren, 148
Ma Shi Hao, 64
Ma Xian, 64,140,173
Ma Xian Hao, 64
Mai Ju Jiang, 35, 160, 173
Mai Men Dong, 42, 162, 163, 170, 173,
176, 179

Mai Zhong, 158, 165

Man Jiao, 107

Man Jing Shi, 89

Man ling Zi, 45, 89, 174

Mang Cao, 106,161, 168, 171, 172

Mao Gen, 60

Mei Shi, 141

210

Medicinal Index in Pin Yin

Mi La, 116, 178
Mi Lu, 129
Mi Wu, 45
Mi Xin, 59
Mi Zhi, 129, 178

Mu Dan, 67, 100, 145, 159, 161, 165-167,
169, 170
Mu Er, 102
Mu Gua, 149, 157
Mu Gui, 87, 88, 159
Mu Jing Shi, 174
Mu Lan, 95, 161, 182
Mu Li, 117, 124, 160, 168, 173, 178, 179,
181, 182
Mu Mang, 123
Mu Meng, 68, 159, 167, 173
Mu Xiang, 31

Nai Dong, 81

Nei Tong, 154

Ning Shui Shi, 11, 161, 163

Niu Bian, 80

Niu Huang, 112, 177

Niu Ji, 67

Niu Xi, 26, 164, 168, 177, 178
Nu Luo, 103
Nu Qing, 83

Nu Wan, 20, 62, 160, 164, 170
Nu Zhen Shi, 90
Nu Zhen Zi, 90

Ou Jie, 138
Ou Shi Jing, 138

Pan Fu, 133
Pang Tong, 43
Peng Lei, 137

Piao Xiao , 123, 126, 161, 169, 178, 182
Po Xiao, 4, 160
Pn Huang, 36, 174
Pu Tao, 137
Pu Yin Shi, 157

(>/ Cao, 124, 179
<.>/ (.V, 163, 178
(,)i Cm, 52, C M, 163
(,)/ Nn, IXX

Qian Dan, 15
Qian Gen, 38, 166
Qian Hu, 166, 168, 181
Qian Shi, 139
Qian Sui Yuan, 157
Qiang Lang, 134, 180
Qiang Ma, 67
Qiang Wei, 67
Qiao Gen, 84
Qin Hua, 163

Qin Jiao, 48, 100, 106, 167, 168, 173, 175

Qin Pi, 99, 163, 166, 172, 175

Qing Hao, 78

Qing Lang Gan, 13, 162

Qing Shi, 6, 187

Qing Xiang, 39, 77, 147, 163, 170

Qing Zhi, 17

Qu Cao, 84

Qu Mai, 57, 169

Qu Pen, 43

Qu Shui, 70

Que Chan Go, 55

Que Piao, 83

Que Weng, 133

Rang Cao, 159, 169, 176, 180
Ren Dong, 187
Ren Fa, 111

Ren Shen, 19, 24, 164, 172, 176, 177, 182

Rong Yan, 14, 155, 188

Rou Gui, 87, 88

Rou Song Rong, 43

Ru Gen, 61

San Jian, 61
Sang Er, 102

Sang Gen Bai Pi, 101, 163, 175, 186
Sang Ji Sheng, 90

Sang Piao Xiao, 123, 161,178, 182

Sang Shang Ji Sheng, 90

Sang Zhi, 101

Sha Shen, 44, 165, 178

Sha Shi, 132

Shun Ling Qiao, 157

Shun Zhu Yu, 98, 164, 167-169, 175

Shung Lu, 82

Shao Yao , 49, 167, 171, 178, 179

21 I

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica Classic

Medicinal Index in Pin Yin

t 1

She ChuangZi, 37, 159, 166, 178

She Fu , 132

She Gan , 74, 172, 182

She Gen , 79

She Pi, 174

She Quan , 66

She Tui, 132, 161,168, 173,180

5 / 7 e Wang, 72

Sh e Xiang, 113

She Xin, 66

SZ/ew Ww, 125

Sheng Da Dou, 149

Sheng Ma, 27

Sheng Qi, 95

Sheng Tui, 43

Sheng Zhan, 66

S/ 7 / B/e /za, 167

Shi Can, 132

Shi Chng Sheng, 81

Shi Dan, 9, 159

Shi Fei, 186

Shi Gun, 130, 186

Shi Gao, 13, 161, 174,177, 180

Shi Hu, 25, 167

Shi Hui, 16

Shi Jie, 163

Shi Liu Huang, 10

Shi Long Chu, 33

Shi Long Rui, 25, 168, 171

Shi Long Zi, 122

Shi Mi, 115, 158

Shi Nan, 104, 175

S/?/ Naw Cao, 104

Shi Pi, 186

Shi Shou, 35, 61, 182

Shi Wei, 68 , 160, 167, 169

Shi Xia Chang Qing, 84

Shi Yun, 185

Shi Zhe, 27, 68 , 79

Shi Zhong Ru, 9

SZ/wTw, 133, 173

STw Gw, 67,130,166

Shu Jiao, 100, 106, 176, 177

Shu Jiu, 64

Shu Li, 107

Shu Mi, 150

Shu Ming, 66

Shu Qi, 76, 172,178, 179,182

Shu Wei, 157

Shu Yang Quan , 64

Shu Yu, 22, 162, 163, 165,169, 171

Shu Zao, 98

Shui Hua, 65

Shui Huai, 56, 187

Shui Jin, 146

ShuiJun, 52

Shui Niu Jiao, 119

SZ/wz P/Vzg, 65

Shui Qin, 146

SZ?wz SZ?ew, 52

SZ?wz Sw, 142

SZzwz Yin, 2, 161, 162

SZzwz Y/Vzg, 146, 159

Shui Yu, 75

Shui Zhi, 131, 139

Si Xian, 89

Song Gao, 86

Sowg Two, 103

Song Zhi, 86, 161, 165, 177

Sow Shu, 107, 164,176

Sw He, 90

Sw Mi, 150

Sw Ren, 90

Swaw Zao, 92, 174

Swaw Zao Ren, 174

TaDaw, 188

Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang, 6, 7, 155, 160

Tan Huan, 91

Tao Du, 145

Tao He, 145

Tao Hua, 145, 168

Tao Mao, 145

Tao Ren, 145

Tao Xiao, 145

Te Sheng Fan Shi, 162

Ti Mu, 52

Tian Jiu, 64

Tian Lou, 134

Tian Men Dong, 19, 162

Tian Ming Jing, 35, 166

Tian Shu Shi, 130, 167, 178

Tian Xiong, 72, 73, 155, 162, 163, 169, 172

Tie Luo, 12, 160, 165

Ting Li, 69, 105, 171
Tong Cao, 57
Tong Ye, 109
Tong Yu, 118
Tong Yun, 44
Tw Cao, 140
Tw Gua, 68, 173
Tw He, 78

Tw Si Zi, 32, 159, 161, 165, 168, 170, 177

Tw Yuan, 62

Tu Zhi, 140

Tun Dian, 130

Tun Nuan, 130

Two Wu, 62

Tuo Yu Jia, 126, 179

Wan Sw/, 42
Wan Tong, 90
Wang Bu Liu Xing, 34
Wans, Gua, 68
Wang Sun, 63
Wang Yu, 188
Wei Mao, 104
Wei Pi, 122, 179
Wei Rui, 20, 163, 166
Wei Shi, 186
Wei Wu, 45
Wei Xin, 59, 166
Wew Ge, 124, 125, 163
V7w Tawg, 115
Ww Gong, 132, 172
Ww Gw, 101

Wu Hui, 16, 72, 171,181,182
Ww /za, 103, 174, 175
Wu Jia Pi, 103, 174, 175
Wu Jiu, 64, 81, 172
Wu Mei, 141
Wu Pu, iii, 74, 157
Wu Shan, 74
Wu Shi , 162, 174

I

YVw Ibu, 72, 155, 165, 166, 168, 171-174,
180, 181

Wu Wei, 47, 166

U 7 // V/, 101, 163, 172, 179

Wu Zci Yu (in, 126, 179

W'w Zhu Yu , 9X, 168, I /S, 178

Xi Du, 72
XiEr Shi, 60
Xi Hw Tew, 180
Xi Jiao, 119, 177
Xi Ju, 81

Xi Ming Zi, 30, 164
Xi Tong Jing Bi, 16
XiXie, 64

X/X/w, 26, 160-162, 164, 166, I /O, I /I,
182

Xia Ku Cao, 81, 173
Xia Ma, 127, 133
Xian Shi, 140, 178
Xiang Pu, 36
Xiao Hua, 157
Xiao Ji, 167
Xiao Jing Shi , 89
Xiao Mai, 158

Xiao Shi, A, 160, 164, I /O, 174, 17S
X/e, 22, 56, 64, 176, 143, I 59, 16 1, 163,
168 170, 174, 179, 188
X/e Bai, 142

Xi/z Yi, 91, 159, 166, 167, 169, 170, 174,
178

Xin Yi Bai, 159
Xiw Y/tt, 91
Xing He, 143

Xing Ren, 143, 169, 170, 172, 176, 180,
181

Xiong Dan, 113

Xiong Huang, 7, 155, 170, 172, 173
Xiong Qiong, 45, 166, 174
Xiong Zhi, 113
Xu Chang Qing, 84
Xu Du, 82

Xu Duan, 33, 46, 166, 175
Xuan Cao, ix

Xuan Fu Hua, 38, 66, 169, 178

Xuan Hua, 38

Xuan Shen, 55

Xue Yu, 111

Xwe Yw Tan, 111

Yan Fang, 115
Yan Mai, 185
Yan Shi, 130
Yang Chang, 80

I I

212

The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica Classic

Yang Qi Shi, 10, 161, 182
Yang Tao , 80
Yang Ti, 80, 174
Yang Zhi Zhu , 73
Yao Hua , 71
Yzo Shi Gen, 108
Ye Ge, 72, 168
Ye Guang , 133
Ye Litfo, 52
Ye Ming Sha, 130
Ye Zhang Ren, 79
YiNan, 188
Yi Wei, 133

Yi Yi Ren, 29, 106, 164, 168

Yi Yu, 6, 7, 133, 155, 160

Yi Zhi, 96, 157

Yin Chen, 47, 162, 169

Yin Chen Hao, 47

Yin Ming, 154

Yin Nie, 9, 161, 170

Yin YangHuo, 61, 169

Yin Yu, 74

YingHuo, 133, 164

Ying Huo Chong, 164

Ywg Shi, 13, 67

Ymg Tzo, 141, 158

Yw He, 106

Yu Li Ren, 106

Yw Mu, 90

Yw Pi, 91, 171

Yw Quan, 1, 159

Yw Shi, 13

Yw Xie, 159

Yw Ym Liang, 6, 7, 155, 160
Yw Zha, 2, 155, 172

Y«<w Hwd, 70, 159, 160, 164, 165, 171,
176, 178, 179
Yuan Qing, 135, 185
Yuan Shi, 159, 161
Yw< 2 « Wei, 74, 175

Yw<w Yi, 64, 162, 166
Yuan Ying, 64

Yuan Zhi, 21, 163, 164, 169, 171, 172, 174,
178

Yun Mu, 4, 155, 159
Yun Shi, 37, 178

Zao Jia, 108, 164, 168, 170, 172, 176, 179
Zao She, 133
Zao Xiu, 81
Ze Lan, 63, 170
Ze Qi, 70, 171

Ze Xie, 22, 159, 161, 163, 174

Zhai Chan, 123

Zhan Si, 155, 175

Zhao Sheng, 165

Zhe Chong, 131, 179

Zhe Lie, 185

Zhe Xiu, 81

Zhen Yu, 155, 158

Zhi Ke, 98

Zhi Mu, 45, 52

Zhi Shi, 11,13, 98

Zhi Xing, 43

Z6i Zi, 99, 175

Zhu, i-iv, xiii-xv, 3, 13, 19, 31, 45, 69, 73,
97, 98, 103, 125, 156, 158, 162-164,
167-169, 175, 178, 182, 185
Zhu Ling, 103
Zhu Tian, 69
Zhu Ye, 97
Zi Ao, 58
Zi Bai Pi, 109
Zi Cao, 58,187
Zi Shen, 68, 169
ZiShi, 5, 159, 160, 172, 175
Zi Wan, 59, 62, 169, 170
Zi Wei, 101
ZiZhi, 18, 163

214

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ISBN 0 ‘> W»l8'i 08 >

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STATEMENTS OF FACT IN TRADITIONAL
CHINESE MEDICINE Revised & Expanded

by Bob I’laws

ISBN 0 016185-52-X
ISBN 978-0-936185-52-1

STICKING TO THE POINT 1:

A Rational Methodology for the Step by Step

Formulation & Administration of an Acupuncture

Treatment

by Bob Flaws

ISBN 0-936185-17-1

ISBN 978-0-936185-17-0

STICKING TO THE POINT 2:

A Study of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Formulas

and Strategies

by Bob Flaws

ISBN 0-936185-97-X

ISBN 978-0-936185-97-2

A STUDY OF DAO I ST ACUPUNCTURE &

MOXIBUSTION

by Liu Zheng-cai

ISBN 1-89I845-08-X

ISBN 978-1-891845-08-6

THE SUCCESSFUL CHINESE HERBALIST
by Bob Flaws and Honora Lee Wolfe
ISBN 1-891845-29-2
ISBN 978-1-891845-29-1

THE SYSTEMATIC CLASSIC OF ACUPUNCTURE
& MOXIBUSTION
A translation of the Jia Yi Jing
by Huang-fu Mi, trans. by Yang Shou-zhong &

Charles Chace
ISBN 0-936185-29-5
ISBN 978-0-936185-29-3

THE TAO OF HEALTHY EATING ACCORDING TO

CHINESE MEDICINE

by Bob Flaws

ISBN 0-936185-92-9

ISBN 978-0-936185-92-7

TEACH YOURSELF TO READ MODERN
MEDICAL CHINESE

by Bob Flaws

ISBN 0 9I8I85M9 8

ISBN 978 0 9 Ui | 8 S 99 8

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by /b- -ng B.h ,ni:

I-.BI j | moim-I’. I l 8
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TREATING PEDIATRIC BED-WETTING WITH
ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE
by Robert Helmer
ISBN 1-891845-33-0
ISBN 9784-891845-33-8

TREATISE on the SPLEEN & STOMACH: A
Translation and annotation of Li Dong-yuan's
Pi Wei Lun
by Bob Flaws
ISBN 0-936185-41-4
ISBN 978-0-936185-41-5

THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASES WITH CHINESE MEDICINE
by Simon Becker, Bob Flaws &

Robert Casanas, MD
ISBN 1-891845-27-6
ISBN 9784-891845-27-7

THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS WITH
CHINESE MEDICINE
by Bob Flaws, Lynn Kuchinski &.

Robert Casanas, M.D.

ISBN 1-891845-21-7
ISBN 978-1-891845-21-5

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, VoL 1:

Diseases of the Head & Face, Including Mental &

Emotional Disorders

by Philippe Sionneau & Lii Gang

ISBN 0-936185-69-4

ISBN 978-0-936185-69-9

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, VoL II:
Diseases of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, & Throat
by Sionneau & Lii
ISBN 0-936185-73-2
ISBN 978-0-936185-73-6

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, VoL III:
Diseases of the Mouth, Lips, Tongue, Teeth & Gums
by Sionneau & Lii
ISBN 0-936185-79-1
ISBN 978-0-936185-79-8

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, Vol IV:
Diseases of the Neck, Shoulders, Back, & Limbs
by Philippe Sionneau & Lii Gang
ISBN 0-936185-89-9
ISBN 978-0-936185-89-7

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, Vol V:
Diseases of the Chest & Abdomen
by Philippe Sionneau & Lii Gang
ISBN 1-891845-02-0
ISBN 978-1-891845-02-4

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, Vol VI:
Diseases of the Urogential System & Proctology
by Philippe Sionneau & Lii Gang
ISBN 1-891845-05-5
ISBN 978-1-891845-05-5

THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN TCM, Vol VII:

General Symptoms

by Philippe Sionneau & Lii Gang

ISBN 1-891845-14-4

ISBN 978-1-891845-144

THE TREATMENT OF EXTERNAL DISEASES
WITH ACUPUNCTURE & MOXIBUSTION
by Yan Cui-lan and Zhu Yun-long, trans. by Yang Shou-zhong
ISBN 0-936185-80-5
ISBN 978-0-936185-80-4

THE TREATMENT OF MODERN WESTERN
MEDICAL DISEASES WITH CHINESE MEDICINE
by Bob Flaws &. Philippe Sionneau
ISBN 1-891845-20-9
ISBN 978-1-891845-20-8

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFICULT PATIENT: A
Guide for Practitioners of Oriental Medicine
by Nancy Bilello, RN, L.ac.

ISBN 1-891845-32-2
ISBN 978-1-891845-32-1

YI LIN GAI CUO (Correcting the Errors in the Forest

of Medicine)

by Wang Qing-ren

ISBN 1-891845-39-X

ISBN 9784-891845-39-0

70 ESSENTIAL CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS
by Bob Flaws
ISBN 0-936185-59-7
ISBN 978-0-936185-59-0

160 ESSENTIAL CHINESE READY-MADE

MEDICINES

by Bob Flaws

ISBN 1-891945-12-8

ISBN 978-1-891945-12-3

630 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT CHINESE
HERBAL MEDICINE:

A Workbook & Study Guide
by Bob Flaws
ISBN 1-891845-04-7
ISBN 978-1-891845-04-8

260 ESSENTIAL CHINESE MEDICINALS
by Bob Flaws
ISBN 1-891845-03-9
ISBN 978-1-891845-03-1

750 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT

ACUPUNCTURE

Exam Preparation & Study Guide

by Fred Jennes

ISBN 1-891845-22-5

ISBN 978-1-891845-22-2